Meaningful Friendships Make Life Better

Navigating the challenges of raising a child with SYNGAP1 can often feel overwhelming, but it’s moments of connection and community that truly lift us up. Recently, we spent time with two of Craig’s close friends, Ashley and Abbie, who have remained a part of our lives long after their work paths separated. What stood out most about this gathering wasn’t just the fun we had, but the genuine support and interest they showed in Camden.

Ashley and Abbie went beyond simply asking how Camden was doing—they got down on his level, interacting with him and making sure he felt included. Camden has always been curious about other children, but as his parents, Craig and I are often nervous about how he will react in social settings. He can be quick to frustration, and when he’s overwhelmed, his first instinct is often to pinch, scratch, or even bite. But during this gathering, Camden surprised us in the best way. The other children were patient and accepting, sharing toys and letting Camden play at his own pace. Seeing him interact so peacefully gave us a sense of relief that is hard to put into words. It was one of those rare moments when we could just sit back and enjoy watching Camden engage with others, without constantly worrying about what might happen next.

Abbie and Ashley didn’t just stop at creating a welcoming space for Camden—they gave us a thoughtful gift that spoke volumes. They presented us with bracelets in SYNGAP colors. These simple yet meaningful gifts showed that they were thinking of us and Camden, even when we weren’t around. The fact that they had taken the time to learn about the significance of the colors and zebra stripes made us feel truly seen and understood. It wasn’t just a gesture; it was a reflection of their deeper understanding of what our family faces each day.

The gathering gave us more than just an evening of fun—it renewed our hope for Camden’s future social interactions. Seeing him play alongside other children, transition smoothly from one activity to the next, and even seek out more interaction filled us with optimism. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily challenges, but moments like these remind us that Camden is growing and developing in his own way. We are hopeful that with continued support and opportunities, Camden will continue to make progress in social situations.

As a small token of our gratitude, we later gifted Abbie and Ashley with coffee and mugs from the Syngap Research Fund, a way to share a piece of the community that has been a lifeline for us. When Abbie said, “My coffee tastes better out of meaningful mugs,” I couldn’t help but smile. While it’s true that meaningful mugs can add a little something to the everyday, it’s meaningful friendships that truly make life better. Friends like Ashley and Abbie remind us that we’re not walking this path alone. Their kindness, thoughtfulness, and genuine care give us strength and fill our hearts with gratitude. Whether it’s a shared laugh, a thoughtful gift, or simply being there for us and Camden, their support means the world.

With love,

Sara