Chromosome 18

January Newsletter

You Helped Make 2025 a Record Year!

Starfish Camp will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Based at Morgan’s Camp in San Antonio and voted one of the top 5 Camps in the USA by Newsweek magazine! All activities at camp are disability-accessible and inclusive to all. Registration closes February 26, 2026.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE

2026 Starfish Dash

Our annual 5k and health fair will take place Saturday, April 25th in San Antonio, TX. For members unable to attend in-person, please join us for our 2026 Virtual Starfish Dash!

Clinical Research Center

Each month, the C18 Research Team shares important updates shaped by the work they do for Chromosome 18 families. This month, they shared highlights from 2025 and updates to their participant follow-up and medical record processes, including the importance of keeping participant's medication lists up-to-date. Click here to read more.

Upcoming Events

Weston's Cornhole Tournament - Support Chromosome 18 and enjoy a fun afternoon for the whole family in Spring, TX on February 1st at 11am CT!

Parents/Caregivers of Young Children Support Call - Meet other families and build resources together on Zoom February 4th at 7pm CT.

New Year, New Tools: Advocacy Reset for Caregivers - Join us on Zoom February 12th at 6pm CT for a conversation on advocacy, adulthood, and community.

February Facebook Live with the Hosts of the Parents/Caregivers of Young Children Support Call - Hear from the hosts of the Parents/Caregivers Support Call live on Facebook February 18th at 6pm CT.

Spanish-speaking Parent/Caregiver Support Call - Join other Spanish-speaking families affected by chromosome 18 for an evening of support and connection over Zoom on February 25th at 7pm CT.

Pennies For Perri - Join the Poggio family at their annual charity event in Newport Beach, CA on March 7th beginning at 4pm.

Starfish Camp - Join us March 12th - 15th for an inclusive, memorable family camp experience in San Antonio, TX.

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

EVENTS CALENDAR

Champions for Charity

The Valero Texas Open (VTO) is offering our families a way to participate with donations that will be matched with another 7% from the VTO and chances to win many prizes as well. See full details here.

Welcome Tam Aldrup, our new South Central Coordinator!

Tam Aldrup lives in Loudon, Tennessee with her husband Dave (Chromosome 18's president) and son David (T18p). She's been involved with the Registry for 25+ years and has tremendous gratitude for the support this organization has given her family. Learn more about Tam here .

Chromosome 18 in the Media

The Helen Journal

Hear from Dr. Jannine D. Cody, world-renowned expert on chromosome 18 conditions, as she shares how families, research, and community have transformed what it means to live with a chromosome 18 condition.

Read Here

Texas Public Radio

Dr. Jannine Cody was featured on Petrie Dish, a Texas Public Radio podcast hosted by Bonnie Petrie. Dr. Cody shares how the birth of her daughter Elizabeth, who has 18q-, sparked a lifelong mission to change what happens after diagnosis. At just 2 minutes long, listen when you can! The podcast can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, or on TPR's website.

Listen Here