2026 Annual Family Conference

2026 Member Survey

Our 2026 Member Survey is open for anonymous responses through July 19th! This 9 to 12-minute survey helps us improve our services for YOU!

US/Canada members have a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

This is your chance to help us serve you better! Click below to take the survey. We want your feedback!

Power of 18 Begins August 1st

Power of 18 starts August 1st!

Now is your chance to do your part to support vital Chromosome 18 research and have fun at the same time!

Join us from anywhere in the world and let’s take on the 18-day challenge to raise $30,000 together!

What challenge can you do? Anything you'd like! The choices are endless! Get ready to start your challenge!

Upcoming Events

June Facebook Live - If you missed hearing from Rebekah, an 18p- self-advocate, as we recognized 18p- Awareness Day on June 18th at 6pm CT, you can watch the recording here.

Conference Registration Closes - All Conference registration closes June 26th at midnight CT. No registration will be allowed after this time.

Annual Family Conference - Get ready for three fun-filled days of education, learning, community, and research July 12th-July 15th. We can’t wait to see you!

July Facebook Live - Join Chromosome 18 staff live on Facebook July 18th at 6pm CT as they re-cap the 2026 Annual Family Conference!

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 August 12th at 7pm CT.

Clinical Research Center

This month's article covers two exciting poster presentations for the University of Texas Health, Department of Pediatrics Annual Research Forum. Learn more about the CRC's current, cutting-edge projects on 18q- nerve cells and AI tools for medical records and data entry.

Welcome our new Coordinators!

Self-Advocate Coordinators

We’ve reimagined the Self-Advocate Coordinator role! This position, now held by a C18 Self-Advocate, focuses on being a liaison and support for other Self-Advocates. We are so excited to announce that two amazing Self-Advocates, Shannon Baldwin and Rebekah Van der Kuur, are joining us as the new Self-Advocate Co-Coordinators!

Rocky Mountain Coordinator

Welcome back to the Coordinator Team, Katie Bailey! Katie has previously been a Volunteer Coordinator as well as the former VP of Member Relations, as our new Rocky Mountain Coordinator.

San Antonio City Council Recognition

On June 4th, Chromosome 18 was recognized for our work in the San Antonio community at a San Antonio City Council session.

Thank you to the San Antonio City Council for this meaningful recognition. We are proud to call San Antonio home and grateful for the support this community has shown Chromosome 18 over the years. Most importantly, thank you to our Chromosome 18 families, volunteers, supporters, and partners. Your dedication and commitment make our work possible and our impact lasting.

Watch the 2-minute video clip from the City Council's broadcast here!

In Attendance (pictured left to right): Dr. Jannine Cody, Elizabeth Cody, Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito, & Neale Parker

Thank You, Brock Solutions!

Thank you Brock Solutions for raising over $19,000 for our families in your Fitness Challenge! Thank you for helping us create hope for our families.

Press the play button to watch our thank you video!

Indiana Disabilities Expo Tabling Event

On May 9th, our Great Lakes Coordinator, Carrie Connolly, tabled for Chromosome 18 at the 2026 WindSwell Disabilities Expo in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Thank you to Carrie for raising awareness and providing resources in the local area, and thank you to everyone who attended!

Pictured left to right: Amy Connolly & Carrie Connolly