Written by Meredith Moore, Chromosome 18 Board Member, Director at Large.
Do you remember learning question words in school? They are for the curious. If you’re curious, let me answer a few for you.
WHO am I? My name is Meredith Moore. I’m a 49-year-old white female with hazel eyes, light brown hair with wisps of gray, a smattering of wrinkles and a big smile with deep dimples. I am the spouse of a retired Naval Officer. I am a proud mom of three nearly grown children (one a college grad and two college students). I am a daughter, sister, and an auntie. I am a Christian. I am a board member of Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society.
WHAT do I do? I work full time, parent my children, love my family, serve my community, volunteer, cook great food, drink good wine, read books, kayak, and travel.
WHERE do I live my life? I currently reside in Burke, Virginia. I’ve lived in six states, two countries, and moved twelve times in twenty-four years.
WHEN do I feel my best? I thrive in life when I know I’m serving others. Sometimes all it takes to serve is to share a smile. If I smile at you and you smile back at me, I feel amazing!
WHY do I serve on the board of Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society? Nearly ten years ago, I answered an ad to babysit for a military family that was new in town. I was looking for some fun money and I thought they were looking to just get a break from three young children. The truth was, they needed childcare for two preschool aged children while they went to specialist after specialist looking for answers about developmental delays for their infant. Sometimes I babysat the baby so they could attend the preschool events for others. As a military family, they had no family of their own nearby to help them. I couldn’t keep getting paid for this. I needed to be their family. They could not leave a special needs infant with just any babysitter. He was diagnosed with a chromosome 18 abnormality.
Fast forward a few years, and my own teenage child was diagnosed with a chromosome abnormality. While the effects of his abnormality are not similar to chromosome 18, I have a lot in common with you as parents. I know the anguish of waiting for a diagnosis and prognosis. I know the exhaustion after lying awake night after night praying for answers, of listening to beeping monitors in a hospital, of wondering what adulthood holds for my child. I can relate to what is in your heart. I know how to fiercely love and protect.
When I learned that there was a vacant board position in your organization, I knew I could serve. I had the skill set, the time, the treasure, and the love to share. I want to build community, expand education, and advance research for the families and those affected by chromosome 18 abnormalities.
How do help this organization? I sit on the board in an “at-large” capacity. I attend monthly meetings, advise, fundraise, donate, and spread the good word. In 2021, I was the co-chair of the virtual Family Conference, and I attended the golf tournament and annual in-person board meeting. My most memorable moment as part of this incredible organization was acting as the virtual DJ and dance leader for the Starfish dance. The happiness and joy from you and your families was palpable over the internet!
I went to bed that night with a full heart fueled by your love for each other and the commitment to help move the needle to learn more about chromosome abnormalities.
I’m looking forward to meeting you in Columbus this summer. Ask me any questions you can think of! I’ll have a smile for you and I hope you’ll have one for me!