Dup 15Q Alliance

Education and outreach: science symposium: this year we co-hosted 275 researchers, clinicians, and industry members from around the world at the dup15q alliance/angelman syndrome foundation science symposium in july. The event included 50 speakers and 30 sessions, fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and driving forward new approaches to improving care and advancing research for 15q disorders.

Education and outreach programs: family support 2024 marked our 30th year as an organization, providing personal connections, support, community awareness, and education to families and caregivers of those affected by dup15q syndrome. We created and distributed a 30th anniversary edition of the mirror, our newsletter. We funded over 150 licensed clinical professional counselor sessions so families in crisis could access help at no cost. Our family support manager extended the support offered to new dup15q alliance families by initiating monthly connection calls on a variety of topics at a variety of times, helping parents of newly diagnosed children form friendships and learn from more experienced parents; and we completed and launched a transition to adulthood road map with resources, education, and tips for caregivers. We had our most successful year of family gatherings held at 8 "believe walks" across the country (in texas, california, colorado, minnesota, massachusetts, indiana, illinois and tennessee) allowing hundreds of our families the opportunity to get together, educate family and friends, and raise funds to support our mission.