Celebrating 22 Years of Connecting, Caring and Collaborating
Join us for a night of celebration and fun…
Welcome to “Around the World with 22q!” We invite you to join us at the Penn Museum on September 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM for an exciting evening. This event celebrates the invaluable contributions of the International 22q11.2 Foundation to our community.This year’s gala will feature a silent auction, a wine pull, a giving tree, a cocktail reception, a sumptuous dinner, and an engaging evening filled with dancing and socializing. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you!
The International 22q11.2 Foundation is celebrating an amazing milestone as we proudly commemorate the 22nd anniversary of our commitment to the global 22q community!
Since our inception in 2003, we have been dedicated to supporting families affected by chromosome 22q differences, beginning with the deletion, and expanding to the duplication – ensuring that no family faces 22q related challenges alone.
During this time, in partnership with our international family organization collaborators, we have worked tirelessly to raise awareness, striving to make 22q a household word, including via events such as 22q at the Zoo – Worldwide Awareness Day.
Leaning on our internationally recognized expert medical advisors, we have provided invaluable resources for healthcare providers and caregivers alike through our state-of-the-art 22q.org website. Likewise, we have supported scientific and family educational programming, given we are committed to keeping the 22q community informed about current research developments and clinical advances – all while fostering vital interpersonal connections.
As we celebrate this 22-year journey, we reflect on the progress we’ve made and the impact we’ve had on countless families, scientists, and healthcare providers. It has sure been hard work, but more than worth the enormous effort. We thank every single volunteer who has helped us along the way and those who have trusted us to be the “go to” place for everything 22q. Together, we will continue our mission – to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by 22q differences through family and professional partnerships. Here’s to many more years of making a difference!
Our History:
In 2003, a small group of parents and a local professional concerned about individuals affected by the chromosome 22q11.2 differences decided they wanted to make a difference. While sitting around a kitchen table in suburban Philadelphia, the group brainstormed about how they might help those afflicted with 22q. Shortly thereafter the group created;
The International 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Foundation, Inc. with these goals: (1) improve detection; (2) care for families; (3) help drive awareness among clinicians, teachers and the general public; and (4) support research that would improve outcomes for affected individuals and their families.
Many of the founding families shared a common bond: isolation and uncertainty. In 2003, a 22q diagnosis was not well understood and many parents struggled for information about their child’s treatment, care and long-term outcomes. There was (and is) considerable confusion surrounding the numerous clinical names used to describe the same condition. Since the creation of the Foundation, the name and awareness of “22q11.2 differences” has gained momentum.
In 2012 our new name was launched: The International 22q11.2 Foundation, Inc. Our team decided to drop the words “Deletion Syndrome” from the name as we expand our services to include all individuals and families affected by abnormalities of chromosome 22q11.2. This includes those with smaller deletions, those with changes in genes within the region such as TBX1, and those with the 22q11.2 duplication syndrome.
Our Mission: To improve the quality of life for individuals affected by chromosome 22q11.2 differences through family and professional partnerships.
Our Vision: We envision a world where individuals with 22q live longer, healthier, and more independent lives; where healthcare providers and the lay public are familiar with 22q; and where continued medical research improves treatment options and the potential for cures.
Thank you to all our sponsors.
