By: Michelle Larscheid, Program Coodinator

Erik Murdock is a typical high school junior in New York. He is busy studying for the SAT, going on college visits, and working on a fundraiser for his school. Erik has two sisters, Sarah (21) and Amy (18). Amy has Smith-Magenis Syndrome. What is not so typical of a high school student is Erik’s passion to help raise awareness of Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Erik says his two sisters are amazing and that he learns a lot from both of them. Amy, who was diagnosed with SMS at age 4, has inspired Erik to use his knowledge of technology to support PRISMS by volunteering. Erik said he reached out to PRISMS to see how he could help the SMS community since it is so near and dear to his heart. He will be working closely with Michelle Larscheid, PRISMS Program Coordinator, to help create tutorials and videos for PRISMS programs and the in-person conference. Erik’s other sister, Sarah, a junior in college agrees with Erik and says “Amy is the most lovable and huggable girl in the world. We enjoy hanging out with Amy and seeing the world through her eyes. We love her very much. Amy enjoys music, singing, dancing, swimming, therapeutic horse riding, watching videos on her iPad, and eating coffee ice cream.” “Erik is great with data and coding, has strong math skills, and has a passion for making/editing videos and posters,” said Erik’s mom, Savitri Ramsingh. She also said, “Erik learns quickly and teaches himself when needed and is an amazing brother to Amy and Sarah.” PRISMS has already put Erik to work on several projects and we are excited to have him as a sibling volunteer.

Are you interested in helping PRISMS make an impact by giving of your time and talents in service as a volunteer? There are a variety of ways to volunteer including as a Regional Representative, a committee member, help with the in-person conference, and more! If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the form on our website at https://www.prisms.org/get-involved/volunteering/