By Nick Assendelft
Vice-president, Board of Directors

In the 12 years the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation has been in existence, we've evolved quite a bit. We've expanded worldwide. We've teamed up with key researchers. We've increased our focus on families.

Back then, at our first support group meeting, there were just a few countries represented among the families. Today, you'll find families affected by PMS in 43 countries.

To reflect our growing influence and international reach, we are unveiling a new logo today that embraces all of the communities we serve.

When a small group of families first hatched the idea of a support group, research into PMS was in its infancy. Our futures were linked by the smallest of chromosomes and we were just making our way out into the unknown on so many fronts.

Today, our road forward has evolved and is a bit more defined. We have a wider network of supporters with whom we work every day. Our families are found around the world. And the science behind PMS has accelerated.

That's why the Board of Directors wanted a unique image that is inclusive of the genetic diversity found in our community of diagnosed individuals. As research progresses, we believe groundbreaking findings will grow the circle of families who will feel at home among us.

The Foundation's core values are community and inclusion. We wanted a logo that encompasses everyone -- families, researchers, donors and caregivers among them -- who is involved in making a better life for those diagnosed with PMS.

We wanted to show how we all individually come together in a global community  in a group hug, if you will -- for a common cause.

For nearly a year, we debated the issue and the values we wanted to portray. We feel our new logo broadens our appeal, but still is reminiscent of our roots. It's an evolutionary, not a revolutionary, change.

The Board of Directors hopes you join us in embracing the new public image of the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation.

The Board would like to thank Troy Scillian, dad to Mason, for his work designing the logo.

As always, we want to hear what you think. Let us know by sending an e-mail to [email protected] .