Family Stories

Amazing Stories Of Our Families

The families who have children diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) have more in common than just having a child with a disability. The families of those affected by the syndrome have their own special needs; the need to have the emotional support of other families that are also going through the unique challenges that a rare disease poses every day. The closest connection isn’t at our child’s school, or on the next block, it could be hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles away. Despite this isolation, our PMS community has been able to form a close-knit family.

Below are candid stories of people affected by PMS and how they struggle, cope, love, hope and carry on.  The Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation (PMSF) wishes to extend its most heartfelt thanks to all those who opened up their lives and graciously shared their most private moments.

Facebook Faces

Find more family stories on our Faces of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Facebook page.

“First 100 Days” Program Updates

We started the “First 100 Days” program a year ago and have had 100 US families join our membership in that time. We are so happy to be able to provide our new families with this intensive, personal, and differentiated support.

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Loving Ellie

Nothing can prepare you for your child’s diagnosis. It doesn’t matter their age or if you saw it coming. It’s

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Christopher

Our “Kit Man!” My PMS story starts in March, 1993, when my son Kit was 15 months old. Kit was

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Bella

Brave and Beautiful Bella is four years old. She loves music, finger plays, and the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

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Meet Olivia

Olivia is an 8 year old, fun-loving and happy little girl residing in central New Jersey with her mom Taryn,

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I am Jack

When thinking about writing this, as Jack’s Mother, I was in a dilemma. Should I, would I, or mostly…could I?

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