Written by Maggie Beason, on her first time experience at the 2023 Camp Chromosome 18. Elora, is Maggie’s daughter, who is living with an 18q- condition.
The 2023 conference in Columbus, OH, was my first and most certainly not my last. Our family decided I would go on my own this year and see how things went before we all made a big trip together. Also, our daughter Elora has never flown. Leading up to the conference, I did not know exactly how to feel. To be honest, I was extremely excited about the opportunity to go visit the zoo! What I did not realize is that this conference would open a world of information, resources, and more importantly, friendships that would be for a lifetime. I do not believe there are any words to truly describe the happiness and relief to join a community that understands! Even though we are surrounded by family, friends, and a wonderful team of specialists, therapists, and caregivers it can still feel very isolating. Each journey and child are unique but to have the opportunity to meet other families that actually have been through some of the same situations is enlightening. I met so many families and staff members that were armed with experience to shed light on so many unanswered questions.
In past jobs, I have organized large events with many moving parts. I felt that this conference was planned very well, and you could see the time, energy, and love that went into making it so wonderful. The sessions were extremely informative and much needed. I left having a sense of comfort knowing what my next steps were to better help Elora.
I am most grateful to all of those that worked so hard to make this conference possible! Not only will my husband and myself benefit from this conference but also our daughter’s life will forever be enriched.
-Maggie Beason
Categorised in: Blog
This post was written by Emi Behan