Chromosome 18

April Newsletter

We're Proud to Present our 2025 Annual Report!

2025 was a record-breaking year for Chromosome 18 because of YOU! See what you helped us accomplish...

READ IT NOW!

Our 9th Annual Starfish Dash is right around the corner! Join us April 25th, either in-person in San Antonio, TX at 8am CT or virtually from ANYWHERE any time the day of the Dash!

Not in San Antonio? Join us from a treadmill, your favorite running trail, a beach, or running around your neighborhood! Last year, we had over 6 countries participating in this event, and we are excited to keep growing and raising awareness internationally.

Info Here

Fundraise Here

Virtual Race Bib

2026 Annual Family Conference

Don't miss important deadlines this month! Both early-bird pricing and scholarship applications close after April 30th!
Tickets for the Starfish Dinner and Dance are now available! Buy standalone tickets for those not participating in Conference but would like to join in on the fun. Or fundraise or sponsor a family/corporate table to pick your choice of table in the ballroom!
Interested in helping out during Conference? Check out our now-open Volunteer Portal for opportunities to get more involved!

Early-Bird Registration

Starfish Dinner & Dance Tickets

Starfish Dinner & Dance Tables

Volunteer Portal

Book Your Room

Upcoming Events

April Facebook Live - If you missed our discussion with Jacqui Lowrie, author of Charley's Light, on April 18th, view the recording here on Facebook!

Starfish Dash 5k Run / Walk & Health Fair (San Antonio & Virtual) - This is our 9th year hosting our official Fiesta San Antonio event. Join us April 25th, either in-person in San Antonio at 8am CT or virtually any time the day of the Dash!

Conference Early-Bird Registration - Early-bird registration for Conference will close April 30th.

New Family Resource & Intro Zoom Call - We invite our families new to Chromosome 18 to join us for an opportunity to learn more about C18, connect with our resources, and meet other members via Zoom on May 5th at 3pm CT.

Post-High School Transition Resource Call - Hear two quick, info-packed presentations about post-high school transition and independent living on May 13th at 6pm CT via Zoom!

May Facebook Live - Hear from our 2026 Conference Chairs, Claudia and Ashley, as they talk all about the upcoming Annual Family Conference live on Facebook May 18th at 6pm CT!

Connect with Dr. Cody: Clinical Research Center Tour - Tour the Research Center virtually on Facebook Live June 4th at 11am CT, then switch over to Zoom after the tour for a great opportunity to talk directly with Dr. Cody.

EVENTS CALENDAR

Celebrating 36 Years

On April 6th, we celebrated the Chromosome 18 Registry's 36th anniversary. Thank you to our incredible community for shaping this journey. Here's to 36 years of impact and to everything still ahead.

Click "play" to watch our anniversary video and see our journey from the beginning! →

The Marvelous Martini Mixer

Shavano Park Tennis Club presented the Marvelous Martini Mixer on April 18th that fundraised over $11,000 for Chromosome 18.

A massive thank you Michael and Soeurette Kelly for organizing the event and Volada Vodka for sponsoring the evening.

Thank you also to:

the Appetizer Committee
Our amazing volunteer bartenders
Silent auction donors
All those in attendance

PHOTO ALBUM

Aldrup Family Bourbon Tasting

On April 18th, Dave and Tam Aldrup hosted a wonderful evening of bourbon tasting that raised over $3,000 for Chromosome 18 at the beautiful Tennessee National Clubhouse. Thank you to Dave and Tam Aldrup for hosting, and we're grateful to all those that made the fundraiser a success!

PHOTO ALBUM

Clinical Research Center

This month's article explains the fascinating way that genes get their names and some of the interesting, unexpected origins for these names.

READ HERE

Thank You to Our Monthly Giving Champions

Chromosome 18 is deeply grateful to our Monthly Giving and Workplace Giving Champions. By choosing a recurring gift, you provide steady, reliable support that allows us to plan ahead, expand essential programs for families, and fund research that directly improves lives. Your commitment makes it easier for us to respond to needs, invest in long-term solutions, and create lasting impact.

As a monthly donor, you’ll be recognized in our annual report and receive regular updates on the difference you’re making. Getting started is simple—just visit our donation link here and select “monthly,” and choose an amount that works for you. Every gift matters, and your ongoing support truly makes a difference.

Become a Monthly Giving Champion Today!