By Jason D’Angelo
I love the Family Conference. It’s my second family and after as many times I have been, I still get so much out of it. I was fortunate enough to bring my girlfriend, Tiff (pictured above), last year which was a huge step in my life. She looks forward to going again this year. She found the same passion in meeting new families and connecting with them.
Helping Families
I love to meet and help the new families with any questions they may have. One thing I enjoy is being there for them throughout the year. I get a few phone calls throughout the year from families I met. They ask me questions and it makes me feel great that I can help them or at least set their mind at ease.
I also love to see returning families and volunteering on panels and in Kays’ Kids Camp. My girlfriend and I are still working full-time jobs and going to school full-time.
Taking a Big Step
This past December, Tiff and I moved in together. It was definitely a big step towards our future, but we felt it was the right one. The only problem is the bills. We both work so it helps a lot but doesn’t leave much extra spending money. I was so excited that I was able to go last year and bring someone with me for the first time ever!
She loved every second of it. Tiff, is a nurse so she loved learning as much as she could especially from the geneticist. She also really enjoyed meeting people young and old just like me!
I can’t thank you enough to allow people like me and my situation to attend this amazing weekend that I look forward to every year!
(Editor’s Note: Jason, who is 28 and affected by hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, grew up coming to the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias Family Conferences with his family.)
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