2013 Chromosome 18 Conference

Hey so many of you know that i went to Savannah Georgia for the chromosome 18 conference.  One of my favourite things to do is hang out with all my friends who are affected, just like me. We arrived early to the conference and there were a lot of people already there.  I saw some of my friends that had arrived that day or earlier. The next day was the registration and a chance to meet everyone. Of course a bunch of the Canadian sat together for the dinner. I sat with my awesome friends who are amazing.

 This photo is with my friend Noah at the dinner.









The first day of the conference was amazing. First we all went to the recognition and welcome ceremony for the conference. My sister Sarah got an award at this for selling bracelets and necklaces as a fundraiser. She raised over 900$ for the support group. After that we saw an amazing presentation from my amazing friend Rick Guiddoti. He does an amazing presentation for positive exposure. He introduced a couple of student who are studying to be genetic counselors. Of course Rick the crazy camera man was taking pictures like crazy. Then we had an awesome lunch that was provided by the awesome hotel.

 This is Sarah selling her jewelry as well as the sibling activity registration table.










After lunch everyone met up and hanged out in the lobby for free time. Then we did self advocate panel practice which was fun and a bit crazy. After supper i hung out with my friends at the hotel. The next day was interesting. First we went to the YMCA in Savannah which made everyone nervous. It was also really hot and it was all outside. Rick came on the trip to take pictures. We took a trolley there which was nuts. After having lunch on the trolley.

 I would like to thank Mark for this photo from the games at the YMCA.













When we got back we went to do the young adult panel. That night I ate supper with my friends at the Paula Deen restaurant Lady & Sons and it was awesome. We had a private room which was in the basement of the restaurant. It was so much fun. We took pictures of each other. It was awesome. After a long night we went to hang out in the lobby. I decided to have an early night at the conference.

Here I am doing the panel presentation with my friends.

 This is a picture of my food from Paula Deen's restaurant it was soooo good. The dinner for the young adults was also fully donated by the restaurant :)











 Here I am with my friends all ready to go out for dinner at Paula Deens






 The last day i  just hung out in the lobby since i did not want to go to the morning speaker. I also had my picture taken by Rick with my sister then my whole family.

 Here is the amazing Rick in action! Thank you Rick for all your amazing pictures. I hope to put some of them up for all of you to see in the future.









We had an amazing speaker for the miniature foodie presentation. We tried some of her no-bake energy bites which was awesome.  After that we had some free time. The conference ended with a dinner and a dance. It was a lot of fun and the food was pretty good.
I just hung out with my friends a lot at the conference. I wish that I could see my friends and hang out more often than once a year. It is awesome to spend the week with them.

 Some of my awesome friends. I can not wait to see everyone again next year!