Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Don’t Wait — Grab Your Cameras!
The Foundation's 6th Annual Calendar Contest has begun. Don't delay - the deadline for submissions is September 15, 2010.
All calendar proceeds support the work of the Foundation. Find out how you can enter!

Colorado Declares 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Awareness Week
In June, the Colorado General Assembly adopted a joint resolution (10-043) proclaiming the week of August 22-28, 2010 to be "22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Awareness Week." This is a monumental moment for all patients, families, and professionals who have been working tirelessly to bring awareness of this common but frequently unknown diagnosis to the public forefront.  The Foundation hopes that Colorado is the first of many forward thinking states to adopt such a resolution, as we partner to spread the word about this diagnosis throughout the US and beyond. See the awareness events planned.

7th International 22q11.2 Deletion Conference, Coventry England
This biannual meeting will be held July on 29-31, 2010 with a theme of "Treatment as we Move into a New Decade". The conference will take place over three days with back-to-back meetings for parents and professionals. A common social function on the second evening will bring all together for a splendid time! Mark your calendars and check out the Max Appeal website for updates (www.22qdeletion.com)

Cubs Pitcher, Ryan Dempster, Greets 22q Families in Philadelphia On May 19th, Chicago Cubs pitching ace, Ryan Dempster, signed autographs and gave out t-shirts to fans at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia ((34th & Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104). The pitcher was in Philadelphia with the Cubs who were playing the Phillies that week. Ryan Dempster, along with his wife, Jenny, founded the Dempster Family Foundation, after their daughter Riley, was born with the 22q11.2 deletion in 2009. For more information, check out their website at www.dempsterfoundation.org

Dragonfly Forest Hosts Week-long 22q Summer Camp
Thanks to the Foundation's efforts, children and teens with the 22q deletion were offered an exciting opportunity this summer. Dragonfly Forest hosted a one week camp exclusively for kids with the deletion from June 28 - July 2, 2010. Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, the overnight camp attracts children from all over the US. The 22q camp was offered free of charge, thanks to generous donations to Dragonfly Forest, including a significant gift from the Foundation. Visit Dragonfly's website and learn more about this unforgettable experience.

22q Family Activity Week for Parents and Siblings of Dragonfly Campers!
Elwyn Genetics and the Dempster Family Foundation offered activities for parents and siblings of children who attended Dragonfly Forest 22q camp. Activities included Sibshops, moms-only and dads-only sessions, and a day trip to Hershey Park, The Sweetest Place on Earth.

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Conference on Behavior and Learning
This winter, Elwyn Genetics teamed up with the University of Florida to organize a two-day conference on the educational and behavioral aspects of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in school-aged children. This popular conference has been held at several different sites around the country and came to the University of Florida in Gainesville on February 27-28, 2010. Handouts from the conference are posted on the Elwyn Genetics website (www.elwyngenetics.org).

22q Gets Positive Exposure
On December 14, 2009, photographer Rick Guidotti gave a very special presentation in Media, Pennsylvania about his inspiring work photographing people who have genetic conditions. His talk was followed by a photo shoot for children and adults with special needs. Rick has held photo shoots for 22q families in Atlanta and Sacramento over the past few years, and he is largely responsible for the gorgeous photos on this website. To learn more about his work, visit www.positiveexposure.org

22q Foundation Increases Awareness Among Pediatricians
In October 2009, the Foundation placed a half page ad about the 22q deletion in a publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics, reaching thousands of pediatricians. We also hosted an exhibit at their annual convention in Washington, DC. Foundation administrator, Tom Bell, and Board member, Terry Ferrari, personally spread the word about 22q to hundreds of pediatricians who visited our booth. Tom and Terry sent them home with brochures and goodies, including bright red 22q
tape measures, in the hope that they will always remember to "think 22q" in their practice. Click here to see the ad.

A Night in Venice
On September 12, 2009, over 130 people turned out for a fun evening of food and entertainment on behalf of the Foundation.
The event was held at Finnegan’s Wake in downtown Philadelphia. Guests enjoyed great food and drinks while trying their luck at gaming tables and auctions — all with the goal of supporting the Foundation's efforts toward detection, care, and cure.
Many thanks to board members Donna McDonald-McGinn and Carol Cavana for their amazing efforts on this fundraiser!

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