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Dear friends of the Irish Fragile X Society,

Last November The Frames, The Mary Janes and their friends came together to honour the memory of Mic Christopher and mark the anniversary of his passing. The funds raised from the Vicar St gig were very generously donated to the Fragile X Society with a view to inviting Fragile X experts from the USA to deliver a series of lectures to offer strategies that have not been available in Ireland to date. Currently there is not one professional in Ireland with Fragile X expertise.

The not for profit Developmental FX Clinic in Denver, Colorado was founded 25 years ago by two internationally renowned Speech and Occupational therapists; Tracy Murnan Stackhouse and Sarah “Mouse” Sharfeneker. Tracy and Mouse have dedicated their professional lives to helping individuals and families living with Fragile X around the world. Their knowledge is second to none and they have been fortunate enough to assist individuals with Fragile X in making many life transitions.

On Saturday September 22nd the IFXS hosted a one day conference in Trinity College Dublin, Tracy and Mouse delivered several lectures to a large gathering of Speech, Occupational and Behavioural Therapists, Teachers, SNAs and family members.

On Monday September 24th they had a very successful school visit at St Senans Primary School, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford which is currently attended by four boys with Fragile X Syndrome, followed by lectures to over 65 staff from St Senans and neighbouring schools.

On Tuesday September 25th they delivered another conference at Little Stars Therapy Clinic, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford which was well attended by local parents, therapists and HSE staff.

These three inspiring days of knowledge and strategies for home and school were made possible due to the generosity and support of The Frames, The Mary Janes, Claire Leadbitter, the Christopher family, the Vicar st staff, Shannon and Jen at Order In The Sound, and all the fans who purchased tickets for that memorable night.

The Irish Fragile X Society would like to extend our warm and heartfelt thanks for very kindly giving us this wonderful opportunity to build a better future for our children. These conferences have been life changing for many, especially those of us who have children needing long term support. We are inspired as a result of this last week and have fresh hope that our children will one day be in a position to lead fulfilling independent lives with the right support and interventions.

With kind regards and sincere gratitude,

Sheila, Maria and all at the The Irish Fragile X Society