JOIN US in spreading the word about 22q11.2 deletion and duplication during November’s 22q Awareness Month — the largest campaign of the year to raise awareness and funds for The International 22q11.2 Foundation!

“What’s 22q?” … Our goal during this month is to let the world know what a complex condition this is, how much support is sometimes required, and how these amazing, beautiful children overcome many obstacles to survive and thrive! Not forgetting the few that are lost far, far too soon. We want the world to know all our stories and to recognize the beauty within these individuals.

You are important and we need you to get the word out about 22q11.2 Syndromes. There are many ways you can get involved to make a difference and shine the light on 22q!

As fall approaches and we look ahead to 22q Awareness Month, the International 22q11.2 Foundation is proud to share that we are ramping up our efforts to raise awareness around the critical need for increasing awareness and early detection of chromosome 22q11.2 differences. To that end, here’s what you can expect:

• Digital Ad Awareness Campaign –we will be running ads across multiple social media platforms that link to our website and educational resources
• Sign-On Petition –we will be circulating an online petition urging health-care leaders to update their professional guidelines to recommend 22q11.2 screening for all pregnancies
• Livestream Event –we are planning a live Facebook discussion to educate families around the frequency and importance of chromosome 22q11.2 differences
• Shareable Content– we will be circulating shareable graphics, videos, and social media content that can posted on personal social channels which we sincerely hope you will share with your families, friends, and healthcare providers

Other ways YOU can help us raise awareness:

Share your story – we would love to have to post your story and photo on our inspirational page and share with our social media community.

Shareable Content – make sure to follow us, like us, and share our daily postings on all our social media outlets. We will be posting daily facts, inspirational quotes and important links to medical guidelines and research.

• Facebook – @22qfoundation
• Instagram – @22qfoundation
• Twitter – @22qfoundation

Request – 10 free, wallet-sized, 22q “Info Cards” that unfold into eight highly informative panels. These cards are ideal for sharing with others and will serve as a quick reference about 22q for family, friends, and professionals. Please fill out the following information here to receive your free info card.

Thank you, as always, for your unwavering support. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact by increasing awareness and detection for chromosome 22q11.2 differences.

Light up the Night for 22q11.2!

Tips for individuals who wish to send the letter by email to their local government or organization:

1. Save the Lighting Letter 2023 pdf file onto your drive or cloud;
2. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader (not your browser) to open the saved file;
3. Type in the name of the building and the city/town;
4. Save the file again;
5. Attach the file onto the email message that you send to the government or organization.

Tips for individuals who wish to send the letter by post to their local government or organization:

1. Print the Lighting Letter 2023 file
2. Write in the name of the building and the city/town;
3. Mail the letter to the government or organization.

The History of 22q Awareness Month

22q Awareness Month began in 2014, when proud Mom, Raj Hemus, created a Facebook Page, called 22qAwarenessDays, that has now grown to over 10,000 followers! Raj asked if the International 22q11.2 Foundation would share her site on our website and social media outlets – and of course, we agreed – as we all have the same drive to help further the mission to raise awareness, and help people learn about 22q11.2 deletion and duplication — the most common genetic syndrome no one has ever heard of!