| CHARGE Accounts | November 2026 | | Welcome to The CHARGE Syndrome Foundation's newsletter! Each month, we detail the latest Foundation news and events, with links to our website to learn more. | | |
As we embark on the holiday season and reflect on all we have to be grateful for, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated and caring community of members!
Every membership shows that YOU support the largest organization dedicated solely to CHARGE syndrome. Our members are at the heart of everything we do, raising awareness, educating others, volunteering, fundraising, and supporting critical research initiatives and programs that improve the lives of individuals with CHARGE syndrome.
This season, and throughout the year, we celebrate not only what we accomplish together, but also the spirit and connection that makes the CHARGE community so special. Thank you for being an essential part of the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation. We are truly grateful for you!
Become a member, renew your membership, or upgrade your current membership by clicking below. If you are unsure of your current membership status, please email info@CHARGEsyndrome.org.
| | |
Giving Tuesday is a Global Day of Giving. You can join the #GivingTuesday movement by contributing to this year's CHARGE Syndrome Foundation's campaign - Reach for the Stars.
Every day, we are inspired by the incredible achievements of individuals with CHARGE syndrome. That's why the Foundation is committed to covering the cost of Conference registration, meals, sessions, events, and camp for every individual with CHARGE syndrome in attendance.
Your donation will directly support this effort! Our goal for Giving Tuesday 2026 is to cover the cost of 26 individuals with CHARGE attending Conference next year - a total of nearly $15,000.
Save the date for Giving Tuesday - December 1, and help us reach our goal!
| | Conference Programming for Adults with CHARGE | |
We’re always looking for ways to make Conference the best possible experience for everyone! We’d love to hear from adults with CHARGE syndrome, their caregivers, and family members to help us plan meaningful, engaging programming that reflects the interests and needs of adults with CHARGE.
Please click below and take a few minutes to complete our brief survey. Your input will help us create an engaging, meaningful, educational, and inclusive program for our next Conference. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Deadline to complete the survey is November 20, 2026.
| | The Conference Hotel Room Block Is OPEN! Reserve Your Room Today! | |
We hope you’re planning to join us in Dallas for the 17th International CHARGE Syndrome Conference, July 22–25, 2027. Now is the time to secure your room at the Hilton Anatole!
Staying at our host hotel puts you right in the heart of the Conference experience, with convenient access to sessions, activities, and opportunities to connect with the CHARGE community. We encourage all attendees to reserve their rooms early.
Rooms must be guaranteed with a valid credit card and a deposit equal to the first night's stay. Deposits are refundable up to three days before arrival.
Please note: The Hilton Anatole has a limited number of accessible rooms. If you require accessible accommodations, we strongly encourage you to book as soon as possible.
Don't wait! Make your hotel reservation and start planning your Dallas Conference experience today!
Click here to learn more and access hotel information.
| | Davenport Fellowship Applications - Only a Few Weeks Left to Apply! | |
Don’t miss your opportunity to be a Davenport Fellow at the 17th International CHARGE Syndrome Conference!
The Davenport Fellowship program brings professionals (clinical, research, therapeutic, educational) early in their careers to the International CHARGE Syndrome Conferences, where they have the opportunity to learn more about CHARGE, interact with one another and get to know individuals with CHARGE and their families.
“Being a Davenport Fellow gave me the structured space to process my lived experience and to learn how to support others through a professional lens. Walking into the conference felt like entering a room where everyone already speaks the language of my life. The combination of science, story, and community made this an ideal launchpad for what I want to build next—both personally (skills, networks) and systemically (adult care pathways, research, and communication access). It was truly the perfect first chapter in my deeper journey into ‘CHARGE World.’” – Symone Griffin, Davenport Fellow 2025
Applications are due November 20, 2027.
| | |
Make the Most of Winter with EWRAP!
By Lourdes Quintana, Outreach and Engagement Manager
| |
As the days get cooler and winter approaches, it's a great time to explore new interests, build skills, and make memories together. Recreational activities are about more than having fun. They can help individuals with CHARGE syndrome build independence and confidence while discovering new activities.
Every individual with CHARGE has unique interests, abilities, and support needs. The best activity is one that brings joy, encourages participation, and provides an opportunity to learn and grow. We encourage you to look around your community and see what is available this winter. Not sure what to try? Here are a few ideas to get your family inspired:
-
Get creative: Explore music lessons, art classes, pottery, or a theater program.
-
Stay active: Consider indoor swimming lessons, bowling, adaptive sports, or an adaptive bike that encourages movement and independence.
-
Connect with animals: Horseback riding can offer opportunities to develop physical skills and confidence.
-
Explore new experiences: Look into recreational camps, community classes, or programs that match your family member's interests.
The Ethan Wolfe Recreational Assistance Program (EWRAP) provides need-based assistance to individuals with CHARGE syndrome in the United States so they can participate in recreational activities. The program can help make enriching experiences and recreational equipment more accessible to families.
Inspired by the activities that enriched Ethan Wolfe's life, EWRAP honors his memory by helping other individuals with CHARGE experience the joy of play. Past participants have benefited from adaptive bikes, horseback riding, swimming lessons, music lessons, and theater camp.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so you don't have to wait for a particular season to apply.
Ready to get started? Click below to learn more about the program, review the guidelines, and apply online.
Everyone deserves a chance to play!
| | Welcoming Our New Family Liaisons! | |
The CHARGE Syndrome Foundation's Family Liaison Project plays an important role in strengthening connections and expanding our outreach to families and professionals across the country. Our dedicated Family Liaisons help build relationships, share valuable resources, and connect individuals and families within their states to the support and information they need.
We're excited to welcome four new Family Liaisons to the program! Each has completed an initial training program with our Outreach and Engagement Manager, learning about the Foundation's resources and how to best support and engage their local CHARGE communities.
Please join us in welcoming our newest Family Liaisons!
Click on their names to read their stories, learn what inspired them to volunteer, and get to know the people helping strengthen our CHARGE community!
Looking to connect with your state's Family Liaison? Interested in becoming one yourself? We'd love to hear from you! Click below to contact us and learn more.
| | Fundraiser Spotlight - Kinetic Cup | |
The 12th Annual Kinetic Rooftop Shootout is in the books!
The Kinetic Cup is a unique, quirky charity golf event hosted on the Kinetic Communications rooftop. Each October, this one-of-a-kind event is proudly sponsored by a variety of corporate businesses, with 100% of donations benefiting the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation. More than just a charity event, the Kinetic Cup is an unforgettable experience that combines competition, camaraderie, and philanthropy, all set against the backdrop of the Birmingham skyline.
Throughout the year, clients, partners, sponsors, and guests are invited to engage in a fun and challenging game of rooftop wiffle ball golf, designed specifically for Kinetic’s rooftop putting green. Participants have all year to get their qualifying scores logged before October 1st, when the top 16 finalists are locked in to play in the final shootout.
The final shootout of this year’s Kinetic Cup took place on October 8th, where the top 16 players battled it out for the win. It was a fun, action-packed afternoon for players and spectators alike. After some impressively played rounds by the field, Ian Reid was crowned the 2026 champion
This year the Kinetic Cup raised over $32,000 for the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation. The majority of donations were collected using our Charge it for CHARGE platform, making fundraising even easier!
A special thank you to Jay and Julie Brandrup for their incredible generosity, dedication, and continued support of the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation. Their commitment to making the Kinetic Cup such a successful and meaningful event year after year is truly remarkable. We are deeply grateful to Jay and Julie, Kinetic Communications, and all the sponsors and participants who help make this wonderful fundraiser possible!
| | Spread Awareness this Holiday Season | |
Make the holidays extra meaningful this year by shopping our CHARGE Syndrome Awareness Store! Whether you're looking for gifts for family, friends, support staff, medical professionals, or a little something for yourself, every purchase helps spread awareness and supports our Foundation.
Check out our fun new 2026 winter designs, available in adult and children’s sizes in multiple options, only for a limited time!
Shop early to ensure your order arrives in time for the holidays! Please allow approximately 3 weeks for shipping, and remember that orders are available for U.S. shipping only. Shop now and make a difference this holiday season!
| | Texas CHARGERS “Light the Way” | |
Twenty years of families supporting families. Twenty years of connection. Twenty years of hope. This weekend, the community is coming together for a very special weekend to celebrate their 20th Anniversary Retreat - Lighting the Way: 20 Years of Heart, Hope & Heroes!
When: November 6–8, 2026
Where: T Bar M Resort, New Braunfels, Texas
Surrounded by the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, T Bar M will provide the perfect setting for a weekend filled with friendship, laughter, learning, and celebration. Whether you have been part of Texas CHARGERS for 20 years or are just beginning your journey, this retreat is for you!
Click below for more information. It's not too late to register.
| | | | | |
