When I was walking to a class at Brown I saw a paper flyer stapled to a pole posted by researchers who were trying to find breast cancer patients to participate in their study. As it hung there, ignored by everyone passing by, I found myself fascinated with its absurdity: No one would find a trial this way, let alone enroll in one, right?

I didn’t know much about clinical trials at that time, but kept wondering why there wasn’t a central place to find clinical trials online where patients could find all the clinical trials to figure out which could benefit them.

As I began to research the field, I found that there were indeed tools available for patients, but that they were antiquated and confusing. I also learned that challenges in recruitment presented one of the largest speedbumps that caused delays - and often failure - in research.

Speaking with and learning from patients who went through clinical trials solidified my resolve. Access to these trials should be far easier, faster, and more democratic than it is today. Lives hang in the balance and lives are impacted by hurdles that can be cleared.

And that’s why I’m working to build Clara. It’s time to make a change, and we hope that we can contribute something that helps every patient feel more empowered and less alone, even in the midst of the most challenging moments of their lives.