I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season that included lots of laughter, smiles and quality time with family and friends!

 

It's a new year and along with that I'd like to remind members of a few important items...SSSA continues to grow and touch families affected by Sotos syndrome with the assistance of the members. This assistance is in the form of annual membership dues and volunteering.

 

Annual membership fees of $35.00 are due January 1st of each year so....if you haven't paid your dues please access Paypal on the website and take care of this today! Fees can also be mailed to the PO Box (see additional information in "Your Dues" to the left.)

 

VOLUNTEER!! We are always looking for volunteers to assist with various positions within the organization. This can require anywhere from 1 hour a week to ten hours a month. I would love to hear from any of you interested in learning more about the organization and how you can help. Please email me at president@sotossyndrome.com. It's possible you have some ideas for the organization or the fantastic conferences held each year, please share them as well!! The Board of Directors will be gathering for the Mid-Winter Board Meeting in the next couple of months. This would be a great time to discuss ideas from our members!!

 

So...I'm finished with the "housekeeping" items and now onto something "fun" to talk about! It's two words, "Jellybean Conspiracy". I will never be the same person after attending our school's one-night play, "Jellybean Conspiracy" in December! It reminds all of us how we are simply different colors of jellybeans. We can learn so much from one another, as no jellybean is EXACTLY the same!

 

The play combines kids involved in theatre and kids with special needs as the two groups teach us about "jellybean life" through acting, art and singing. It was amazing watching these two groups of kids bond and work together. I had tears in my eyes throughout most of the night (I admit I am a pretty emotional person). I was very sad when the night ended but am hoping they will do another production when my Sotos daughter, Megan, is in high school.

 

To find out more - go to www.jellybeanconspiracy.org.

 

Hmm...I think I am a vibrant purple...what color are you??

 

Until next month...

Monica

Andy St. Clair, Georgia 

Vancouver, Canada July 20-22, 2012 The conference committee is busy planning this year's conference.  Watch for an email soon with more details, but until then, here are some tips! -Plan to arrive Friday afternoon.  -Bring items to donate to the silent auction which raises money for the Carol Richey Assistance Fund which helps families attend the conference for the first time.  -On Saturday, speakers will present all the latest information while daycare and activities are provided for babies, special-ones, siblings and young adults.  -Geneticists, Dr. Schaefer, Dr. Cole and genetic counselor, Becky Anderson, will, of course, be there.  Private visits with the doctors to answer one-on-one questions, can be requested at the time of registration. -On Sunday plan to attend the SSSA business meeting, doctors' question-and-answer panel and, if you are a first time family, don't plan to leave before 4 pm - you won't want to miss a moment of this great event!

Super Kid Will 

Rachel Harding is a 15-year-old girl with Sotos syndrome. Her parents, Carson and Michele Harding, are very proud to share...  To read more, click here....