Meet Alexandra Gaudlap

We were lucky to catch up with Alexandra Gaudlap recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alexandra , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
When it comes to my confidence and self-esteem I would be lying if I said I don’t struggle with this daily. Growing up I was the girl who tried hard to please everyone and to fit in. As I grew older, I cared less but still struggled. I never felt I was accomplishing as much as those around me. Having a child with a rare disease truly changed my life and has allowed me to find my passion of helping others through my son’s story.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

In August 2022, I published www.vamp2.org to cope with my son’s diagnosis and help other families around the world feel like they weren’t alone. I am now forming the Raging Raymond Foundation, a Non-Profit focused on spreading awareness of VAMP2. This organization will focus on advocating for the cause, helping drive research into the disorder, and ultimately looking for therapeutic interventions.

My job as the website and Non-Profit Founder was and continues to be to advocate for the disease and become known in the community. Since launching the website in the summer of 2022, I have found ways to connect with researchers and professionals worldwide sharing our story.

As of summer 2023, we have secured funding for a collaborative international research team from University College London (UCL) and Yale University to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders linked to VAMP2 mutations.
Although this position I hold comes with a lot of pressure, I truly believe it is worth it. I work hard every day not only for my son but because I know I have the ability to change the lives of others. Now and in the future. I will continue to work to bring more research teams on board so that the investigation of VAMP2 mutations can continue to be a collaborative project throughout the world.

Working alongside the most inspirational people throughout the world has been a true honor and one I will never take for granted.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Ambition, Dedication, and Networking have been the most impactful in my journey.

Ambition is important because to achieve big goals, you need to have the desire to achieve.

Dedication is important because when it comes to research the majority of the progress comes from patients and their families. Research teams are there for projects but do not have the same abilities as parents when it comes to gathering information.

Networking is important because when you are starting a new project you require the support of others in the community. Sharing your story and finding unique ways to become known is crucial to finding followers on your journey.
For those who are early in their journey, my best piece of advice is to have an open mind and strive for growth. Taking it a day at a time. Patting yourself on the back each and every day as you accomplish new things.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the last 12 months, my biggest areas of growth and improvement are self-confidence and knowing my worth. As mentioned earlier, I have always been a people pleaser. Putting my wants and needs second. Over the last year, while building the VAMP2 Project I have been able to recognize my worth as an advocate, mother, and person which has led me to a new place. I am now able to stand my ground for what I believe in, following my dreams.
Self-confidence comes and goes but becoming a rare mom, advocate, and entrepreneur has allowed me to find my true self.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Alexandra Gaudlap, Photos

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