Our community gathered from across the country and from around the world to learn, share experiences, and support each other.

It was amazing to see so many of you dancing to the music at the welcome reception, making conversation in between sessions, and sharing stories over ice cream at the end of the conference ice cream social. A special thank you to our sponsors Vanda Pharmaceuticals and Abram’s Nation and all of the other sponsors and donors whose generous donations made the conference possible.

Rick Guidotti From Positive Exposure Gives Keynote Address

Rick Guidotti is an award-winning photographer, who has spent more than twenty-five years collaborating internationally with nonprofit organizations, hospitals, medical schools, educational institutions, museums, galleries, advocacy groups, and communities to effect a sea-change in societal attitudes towards individuals living with genetic, physical, behavioral or intellectual difference.

Rick is the founder and director of Positive Exposure, a non-profit organization that promotes a more inclusive world through award-winning photography, film, and educational programs. Rick remains committed to collaborating with individuals, families, and communities around the world, celebrating the beauty and richness of our shared humanity. Rick has been coming to the PRISMS conference since 2001 and we were so happy he was back with us.

Past Presidents (image above) – L to R: Maggie Miller, Connie Bessette, Randy Beall, John Mayer, Brandon Daniel

Volunteer Award Recipients (image on right) – L to R: Sylvia Farber, Jean Bishop

Volunteer Awards

Leadership and Outstanding Volunteer Awards were presented to individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to PRISMS.

Without the contribution of these volunteers, PRISMS would not have been able to achieve and sustain the level of impact we have had in our community. These awards were in recognition of the tireless efforts put forth by our volunteers in community leadership and fundraising.

Sponsored Cookie and Ice Cream Breaks

Alayna’s Heart Foundation (https://alaynasheart.com/) donated money for family scholarships, a cookie break, and goodie bags for the siblings, childcare, and the den. Alayna was 3.5 months old when she was diagnosed with SMS and died shortly after of SIDS. Alayna’s family started a foundation to improve the quality of life for children and adults with special needs and their families with a special focus on those in the Smith-Magenis Syndrome community.

The Kevin O’Connor Family Fund donated money for family scholarships and also sponsored a cookie break in honor of Deane O’Connor.

The ice cream social was sponsored by the Percy Huston family in honor of their daughter, Jacqueline Huston. Conference attendees enjoyed a cool treat while socializing and recapping the three-day conference.

PRISMS Hawaiian Fundraiser

The Hyatt Regency ballroom was transformed into a Hawaiian Luau for the PRISMS Fundraiser. More than 100 people gathered for food, dancing, photo booth fun, and games. The fundraiser was sponsored by Vanda Pharmaceuticals and raised $20,000 for PRISMS.

Regional Representative Meeting

There were 15 PRISMS Regional Representatives who attended the conference. They met up in a session to talk about the upcoming year and how they can best help families in their region. Merlin the therapy dog even joined them.

PRISMS Merchandise Store

New merchandise was available for purchase throughout the conference. If you were not able to attend in person, you can purchase items in our online store at www.prismsstore.org.

Professional Advisory Board

PRISMS Professional Advisory Board attended both the Research Symposium and the PRISMS Conference. Many of them gave presentations, consulted at the Curbside Consult sessions, participated in the fundraiser, and attended the PAB luncheon.

New! PRISMS Pathway
New at the conference this year was the PRISMS Pathway – an exhibit hall dedicated to PRISMS resources or our families and caregivers.

We provided a “Passport to PRISMS” card for our families at registration. When families visited each of the 12 resource tables, they received a stamp for visiting. When the passports were completed, they were turned in at the merchandise table to receive a gift and their completed passport was entered into a drawing for a grand prize.

The goal of the PRISMS Pathway was to be a place to ask questions, get more information, and make contacts. Information on our clinics, volunteering, the Board of Directors, research, and more was available.

First Steps Session

The First Steps session was created to welcome, engage, encourage, and support families who are attending the conference for the first (or second time). The hope is that this session welcomes families into the community, connects them with parents who have faced the same challenges, helps them navigate the conference, and allows them to have discussions with Parent Ambassadors throughout the conference.