In February 2004, CFXF officially introduced its new, 2004 Grant and Fellowship Programs. Each of these new funding opportunities has been developed with the guidance of our Scientific Advisors and each is designed to meet a specific need within the fragile X research community.

In its unique role as the international fragile X research funding organization, CFXF will use these grant programs to promote the development of new fragile X research projects around the world. The funds will be used to increase the capacity and skill levels of researchers and encourage young researchers to pursue new and innovative fragile X research projects at sites that were never before involved in fragile X research.

CFXF CONFERENCE TRAVEL FUND
The CFXF Fragile X Conference Travel Fund provides support to enable investigators to travel to, attend, and participate in various fragile X research-related conferences throughout the year. Often, researchers from abroad have limited budgets and no funds to support travel to these important conferences. Consequently, they and their work are not as well

known in the greater fragile X research community as they might be. With the Conference Travel Fund, CFXF will strengthen relationships among fragile X scientists and heighten the presence of international fragile X researchers by bringing them together at important scientific conferences. Increased prominence and exposure within the community will lead to more active, well-funded research.

CFXF SHORT-TERM FELLOWSHIPS
Short-term fellowships are intended to support researchers who wish to spend 2 weeks to 2 months working in a laboratory in another country to learn new fragile X research techniques, develop new collaborations in fragile X research, or to become familiar with equipment not readily available in the applicant's home country. Frequently, researchers abroad do not have the luxury of the equipment and collaborative support enjoyed by those in the U.S. Creating collaborations and funding such short-term visits can replicate best practices, and increase the benefit of very expensive equipment and supplies. Applicants must offer a plan to expand their knowledge and experience in fragile X research during the fellowship period, and suggest how that

experience will enhance their on-going research in their home country.

CFXF FRAGILE X RESEARCH TRANSITION AWARD The CFXF
Fragile X Research Transition Program provides support that will enable postdoctoral researchers to continue fragile X research at a new research situation after postdoctoral studies are completed. These Awards can give fragile X investigators an edge at a very competitive time in their professional lives, by providing funding for fragile X research at their new lab. CFXF hopes to increase the number of fragile X investigators and projects worldwide, particularly at facilities that currently have no established fragile X research.

With these new grant programs, CFXF renews its commitment to meaningful scientific research toward a cure for fragile X. Thanks to the guidance of our Scientific Advisors, we are now able to target and strengthen specific areas within the fragile X research world. We expect exciting new proposals and an overall increase in fragile X research activity around the world.

On August 21 at the Aventura Mall in Miami, Joshua Gammon, son of CFXF Advisor, Marti Gammon and her husband, Tom, will join hundreds as they walk for Easter Seals.

Joshua, a beneficiary of Easter Seals services spanning nineteen years and a graduate of the Easter Seals Culinary Arts High School for students with special needs, is now employed in the deli department of a local Publix Supermarket. Joshua remains very fond of the Easter Seals programs and particularly the people that have made such a profound difference in his life. He is determined to give back and the Walk is only one way he stays involved.

In a recent interview with CFXF, Joshua stressed that while working, his relationship with his co-workers is the part of his job he likes best; and dealing with customers is the most challenging part of the job. Joshua praises the Easter Seals program's academics, the sciences, phonics, spelling and math, and also stresses that the Easter Seals program taught him the technical aspects of his work; cutting meat and vegetables with very special equipment, and always striving for cleanliness and order.

Josh's mother Marti believes they were fortunate not to have learned of Josh’s fragile X until he was eleven. Despite the development manifestations of fragile X, expectations remained high and Josh continued to respond to stimulating and challenging environments.

Marti and Tom believe that the services provided by Easter Seals have made all the difference for Josh. Individualized academic instruction coupled with a good match between Josh's skills and interests and the type of work situation have given Joshua a rewarding career that he loves. Josh received a job coach that helped train him during his first weeks of work and continues to be available to help whenever Josh has a new skill to master.

Outside of work, Josh’s interests include working out at the gym, horseback riding and watching cooking shows and the news.

Advice from these experienced parents — Make sure that your child is always appropriately challenged and rewarded in school, keep your expectations high, and remember that it is always the people that make the difference. The Gammons first encountered Easter Seals in a run-down building with makeshift classrooms, but they soon learned that the building held the most caring and wonderful teachers and therapists that would change their son’ life. Josh continues to quietly inspire many children with disabilities and their families and we are very proud that he is part of our CFXF family.

Joshua Gammon’s Walk for Easter Seals
August 21, 2004
7:30 a.m.
Aventura Mall, Miami