August 2013 was an amazing month for us - catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones. The connections and bonds that our gatherings create are unique to families who share this walk alongside one another as we create new opportunities for our children who live lives with a difference. Jannine Cody and Dan Hale once again visited our shores, sharing the work and research that continues in the USA. Allycia caught up with the lovely Elizabeth, Erin, Kathryn and Martin as well as her Queensland Chromosome 18 buddies. One of our favourite sessions was Genevieve Clay-Smith's showcasing of some remarkable films she has been creating, most particularly The Interviewer. Genevieve's venture, Bus Stop Films is a pioneering organisation which has a focus on creating inclusion within the film industry and the teams she has brought together are commanding some serious attention with their films garnering well deserved attention and awards.
Allycia, alongside some of her peers also presented during the course of our two day program. Each of the speakers shared stories of their lives, including the triumphs and the challenges, with each inspiring us to continue into our futures with a positive outlook. One of our favourite speakers was Tim who had the room in stitches as he recounted how he and his Mother, Mary, have triumphed over her recent health challenges. Tim was born with a difference on the 18th Chromosome, and has been a member of Toastmasters for many years. His eloquence and delivery were amazing.
Our Australian Coordinators Marlene and Scott once again did an outstanding job of bringing us all together to celebrate who we have become and what our young people have achieved in their lives against odds too great to fathom. Gratitude knows no bounds when you travel with such a courageous group of parents who do not falter in their roles as advocates and children who are simply busy getting on with the business of living full lives.
Allycia, alongside some of her peers also presented during the course of our two day program. Each of the speakers shared stories of their lives, including the triumphs and the challenges, with each inspiring us to continue into our futures with a positive outlook. One of our favourite speakers was Tim who had the room in stitches as he recounted how he and his Mother, Mary, have triumphed over her recent health challenges. Tim was born with a difference on the 18th Chromosome, and has been a member of Toastmasters for many years. His eloquence and delivery were amazing.
Our Australian Coordinators Marlene and Scott once again did an outstanding job of bringing us all together to celebrate who we have become and what our young people have achieved in their lives against odds too great to fathom. Gratitude knows no bounds when you travel with such a courageous group of parents who do not falter in their roles as advocates and children who are simply busy getting on with the business of living full lives.
Allycia with two of the other amazing presenters at our Australasian Catch Up - Bus Stop Films' Genevieve Clay-Smith and Dr Dan Hale from the USA.
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