“During the conference, I was introduced to a part of my life I didn’t know that I needed to feel whole…This Fellowship has made me more connected and immersed in a field that I barely knew anything about. I know this isn’t the end. This is the beginning of a long scientific journey. I hope to be back at the conference in 2025 and this time have my own research to share.” Luca Bottitta
“Reflecting on my initial expectations and comparing them to my actual experiences, I am struck by how much more meaningful the Fellowship experience was. The Fellowship helps bring together a community of early-career professionals driven by a shared interest in CHARGE. DeafBlind and rare disease communities, including the CHARGE community, are incredibly unique in that they are so small. People from various backgrounds, cultures, languages, and experiences come together for a few days packed with activities; form a bond; and then go back to their home communities where there may be very few people with CHARGE or interested in CHARGE around. Having the opportunity to network with people interested in CHARGE helps reduce the feelings of professional isolation. The isolation I hadn’t fully acknowledged before was replaced with a network of supportive peers who understood the unique challenges and opportunities within this field.
As I depart from the conference, I’m filled with renewed purpose, excitement, and ideas on how to move forward. The Davenport Fellowship experience has convinced me that my aspiration to contribute to CHARGE research and advocate for the community is not only attainable but imperative. My journey is just beginning, and I’m resolute in my commitment to pursuing impactful research that enhances the lives of individuals and families touched by CHARGE syndrome. In the grand tapestry of my professional career, I think that the 2023 CHARGE conference will be a pivotal chapter.” Tyler James
“Attending the CHARGE conference as a Fellow has forever changed my life in many ways…After introducing myself and meeting the other Fellows, I learned quickly we all had a desire to learn as much as possible about individuals with CHARGE. Some of us were new to CHARGE and others were not but wanted to delve deeper into the field to further their knowledge. I feel like we all formed a bond during the conference that will never be forgotten.” Dr. Rebecca Darden-Perry
