It came, it went fast, but it will never be forgotten!  The 24th Annual Chromosome 18 Conference was a whirlwind of insights and research information from our wonderful speakers, outings, togetherness and fun, fun, fun!  440 Chromosome 18 members were in attendance from all over the nation and across the world.  Many first time attendees were present and quickly became family, welcomed by the familiar and long-time attending families  A huge thank you to our chairs Kathy Borello & Ivette Ruiz Cohen, Conference Committee,  Executive Board plus all our wonderful volunteers that without everybody's hard work we could never put these on each year.

Naperville Conference Research Activities - This year a variety of research activities happened at the Registry conference in Naperville. Thirteen new families were enrolled in the Research Center by providing medical records and blood samples. Read the full article here

Silent and live auctions during our Starfish Dinner and Dance were exciting and great new merchandise was for available (still for sale for a short time, see below) throughout the conference - both raising nearly $20,000 for the Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society.

Thank you to all who joined us in Naperville, IL.  If you have yet to do your survey, please follow the link to complete.  Survey must be completed by today, July 31st to be entered into prize drawing for a Chromosome 18 T Shirt & hat.

Fundraisers for Brick's & Jason's Deli were a big success and we appreciated everybody who came out and supported these events.   

Please share your conference pictures on our Facebook site.

25th Annual Chromosome 18 Conference

Baltimore, Maryland,  July 2-4, 2018!

During the 24th Annual Conference, Chris Ulmer conducted some wonderful interviews with our self-advocates.  One special  video interview  with our very own, Elizabeth Cody was not just truly inspirational and enlightening, it was also an internet sensation - going viral with over 1.2 million views in just 24 hours!  Now with over 1.6 million views, nearly 3500 sincere comments, and more than 38,000 reactions, Elizabeth is a star, sharing her heartfelt words with the world!

After some very successful fundraising events we wanted to build on the accomplishments by branding our very own events - The Starfish Fundraising Series, where everyone across the nation and around the world can participate.  The Starfish Fundraising Series includes, Starfish Dash - Run/Walk, Starfish Splash - Swim, Starfish Strike - Bowl, Starfish Scramble - Golf, Starfish Smash - Tennis, Starfish Sew - Quilting, which can be large events or quaint gathering; held once or as an annual event to help raise funds, boost awareness and to be enjoyed with your community. 

Not sure where to start?  We're here to help!  We can set up your fundraising web page for whichever event you need!  The office can supply flyers, banners, and promotion of the event on social media.. Each fundraising participant will receive an official Starfish Event t-shirt when they raise more than $50 and a special Starfish Medal when they raise over $100.  Not only is the host fundraiser eligible for the shirt and medal, they will also be recognized at the following annual conference.  

Help the Registry and be an integral supporter of the most important work carried out by our own Chromosome 18 Clinical Research Center!   Click here for full details and ideas on several ways to get involved.  Contact the office at (210)657-4968 or office@chromosome18.org for more information or to get started.

October 14th  - Rocky  Mountain Regional Fundraiser - Starfish Dash (Denver - Rock n Roll) - Contact Angie Moss for more information. 

April 29th, 2018 - Starfish Dash - San Antonio, TX