Jamie & Kristie Lint, 2009 SOFT Conference Chairpersons, and the entire SOFT of Virginia conference committee, invite you to the 23rd Annual SOFT Conference in historic Roanoke, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western Virginia.
The conference provides families with not only educational and medical resources, but a time and place to build friendships and memories with others who are going through the same journey.
Being together is what a SOFT conference is all about.
Check out Michael Hennessy's story. In 2008 he started his quest to break the world record for running the most Ironmans in a single year. In 2009, he did just that, and more. Support Ironman For Kids.
An interesting report by Kenneth F. Trofatter, Jr., MD, PhD that discusses the possibility of a link between Trisomy 21 and Folate Metabolism. Read More at Healthline.com
My name is Susan Blomstrom and my daughter is Payton, who is the inspiration for Payton's Birthday Bears. Payton was born with Trisomy 13 in August, 2006. I am completing a thesis as part of my Master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN.
No research exists that investigates what we as families with children with Trisomy 13 or 18 want to know and when we want health care providers to give us information. Your responses to the following survey will help determine what recommendations are given to health professionals.
The Survey is now closed. Thank you to all families who participated in this Parental Survey. Your time and offered information are very much appreciated. The results are being analyzed and will be available on this site sometime in Fall 2009.
WHEREAS, trisomy is the presence, within a person’s cells, of an extra set of chromosomes instead of the regular two.
WHEREAS, the most common trisomies in newborns are trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome).
WHEREAS, trisomy pregnancies can present unusual complications and can be more at-risk than non-trisomy pregnancies.
WHEREAS, the life of every child is precious, regardless of the number of chromosomes he or she may possess.
WHEREAS, parents should take advantage of the local support groups and online communities that offer education, encouragement, and counseling for those managing trisomy pregnancies or raising trisomy-affected children.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim March 2009 as: Trisomy Awareness Month
in Alaska, and give full support to raising awareness and education for all forms of trisomy, as well as efforts supporting families experiencing trisomy, and to helping people with developmental disabilities achieve their full potential.
Payton's Birthday Bears are designed to celebrate the magnificent milestone of a birthday for a child diagnosed with Trisomy 13 or 18.
At her home with many family and friends, a live band, and a catered meal for all to enjoy, Payton Jo Blomstrom celebrated her first birthday on August 30, 2007. The joy of this occasion was the inspiration for Payton's Birthday Bears. Payton lived a happy and healthy life for 17-1/2 months with Trisomy 13. These gifts confirm the joys and blessings that life bestows upon these special children. Read More!
An interesting report by Kenneth F. Trofatter, Jr., MD, PhD that discusses the possibility of a link between Trisomy 21 and Folate Metabolism. 
