Upcoming Event – 2024 Oktoberfest
Mark your calendars! The Focus Foundation’s Upcoming Event – 2024 Oktoberfest will be on Thursday, October 17th.
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Dr. Samango-Sprouse Spoke at The 16th Philadelphia Prenatal Diagnosis Conference
Dr. Samango-Sprouse was invited as a guest speaker at The 16th Philadelphia Prenatal Diagnosis Conference on June 7th.
Playing Cupid – Valentine’s Day
Playing Cupid! How about a little self-love this Valentine’s Day—and some love for your kids, too,while you’re at it? Learn more.
UPS Pilot Inspired Charity of the Month
Focus Foundation Charity Spotlight. UPS Charity of the Month is led and supported by UPS pilots. Read to learn more.
October 2023 Social Media Recap
Happy October 2023! View news, upcoming items, and The Focus Foundation happenings in our October social media recap.
New 47,XXY Research Published Dr. Carole Samango-Sprouse
New 47,XXY Research Published Dr. Carole Samango-Sprouse. Learn more.
An eXtraordinarY Night Recap
The Focus Foundation shares An eXtraordinarY Night Recap. Thank you to the organizers, sponsors, and all those who attended!
New Year’s Brunch
Read more about a parent’s first mistake of the year and how when things don’t go as planned, they can still work out for good.
Holiday Expectations for Parents of Children with Genetic Differences
Parent, Ann Worley, shares her perspective on managing Holiday Expectations with a medically complex child.
The Focus Foundation’s 2022 End of Year Updates
The Focus Foundation’s 2022 End of Year Updates sends thank yous to supporters and shares our year’s accomplishments.
Giving Tuesday 2022
November 29th is Giving Tuesday 2022! Save the date for this special day of giving for The Focus Foundation. Learn how you can contribute.
October, Halloween, Pumpkins & Disabilities Awareness
October is Halloween & Disabilities Awareness Month! Learn how to celebrate with a child diagnosed with an XY chromosome variation disorder.
2022 Oktoberfest Student Ambassador Award Recipient
The Focus Foundation would like you to meet and get to know the 2022 Oktoberfest Student Ambassador Award Recipient!
October Social Media Recap
Happy October! Take a look at news, upcoming items, and what The Focus Foundation has been up to lately in our October social media recap.
Neurocognitive Study of Boys with 47,XXY or Klinefelter Syndrome
Neurocognitive Study of Boys with 47XXY, or Klinefelter Syndrome, recently published by Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics!
Early Hormonal Treatment (EHT) Parent Success Story
The Focus Foundation thanks our wonderful parent Amy M. for sharing their parent success story of Early Hormonal Treatment (EHT) with Testosterone “T-shots”.
July Social Media Recap
July has flown by! The Focus Foundation has been on the go and is excited to share some fun happenings on our July social media recap.
Early Detection and Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The Focus Foundation’s article on early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has hit 500 reads! We are ecstatic to watch our goals of increasing awareness become a reality.
Ann Worley Shares Her X and Y Chromosome Variation Awareness Story
Read more about the X and Y Chromosome Variation Awareness Month from a parent’s, Ann Worley, perspective.
May Important Dates Blog
The Focus Foundation enjoys sharing fun facts, news, and more! Check out our May important dates blog to learn more.
April Social Media Recap
The Focus Foundation has been busy and is very excited to share some fun facts, news, and interesting happenings on our April social media recap.
March Social Media Recap
The Focus Foundation loves sharing information, activities, ideas, and more! Read our social media recap to view some of our 2022 favorites.
The Staircase
In hopes of creating more peace on earth and goodwill in our homes, I invite you to join me in this challenge to ‘take’ this holiday season rather than ‘give’.
Holiday Season “Take” Challenge
In hopes of creating more peace on earth and goodwill in our homes, I invite you to join me in this challenge to ‘take’ this holiday season rather than ‘give’.
Bucksbaum Family Research Center Ribbon Cutting
The Bucksbaum Family Research Center is NOW OPEN! Please view our ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place on October 25, 2021.
Celebrating Bonds with Dogs
Did you know? National Mustard Day is on August 7, 2021! The Focus Foundation shared interesting facts and fun activities about mustard. Read more.
National Mustard Day
Did you know? National Mustard Day is on August 7, 2021! The Focus Foundation shared interesting facts and fun activities about mustard. Read more.
2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo in 2021
The 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo has finally begun on July 23, 2021! The Focus Foundation shared some history, fun facts, and activities about the Olympics. Learn more.
National Ice Cream Day and Month
Have a fun National Ice Cream Day and National Ice Cream Month! Celebrate with the Focus Foundation’s delicious recipes, fun facts, and some fun books to read. Learn more.
Enjoy a Teddy Bear Picnic This National Picnic Month!
July is National Picnic Month! The Focus Foundation shares some great treat ideas and activity tips to have a fun Teddy Bear picnic this summer!
Fourth of July – Celebrate Our Birthday!
Have a Happy Fourth of July! Celebrate this fun day with the Focus Foundation’s tips on activities and some fun books to read. Learn more.
National Sunglasses Day
June 27th is National Sunglasses Day! Keep your eyes healthy and celebrate this fun day with the Focus Foundation by learning some history and fun facts. Read more.
Celebrate Father’s Day
The Focus Foundation sends well wishes for a Happy Father’s Day to all Fathers, Grandfathers, and father figures. Read more to learn an easy dessert recipe.
National Yo-Yo Day
June 6th is National Yo-Yo Day. The Focus Foundation celebrates this fun day by sharing some history and fun facts. Read to learn more.
Fun Origami Dart Paper Airplane Activity
The Focus Foundation shares a fun origami dart paper airplane activity. Follow the steps to learn how to make it yourself. Read more.
Cicada Invasion
After 17 years of being underground, in the coming weeks, billions of cicadas will emerge. The Focus Foundation shares some fun facts and activities about the upcoming cicada invasion. Learn more.
May Awareness
The Focus Foundation is celebrating 15 years! With your help, valuable research is happening. Raise fun, funds, and awareness. Learn more about how you can help!
The Focus Foundation’s Happy Mother’s Day Coupons and Ideas
Happy Mother’s Day from The Focus Foundation. Celebrate this special day with these fun coupons and ideas to show how much you care. Read more.
Dr. Samango-Sprouse Joined Virtual Festschrift Honoring Dr. John M. Graham Jr.
The Focus Foundation’s very own Dr. Samango-Sprouse was honored to be a part of Dr. John M. Graham Jr.’s virtual Festschrift. Read more.
April is Autism Month
April is World Autism Month! Help spread autism awareness and inclusion by learning more and doing some daily acts of kindness.
Early Hormonal Treatment (EHT) Effects on Language Deficiencies in Boys with 47,XXY 5 Years and Under
The Focus Foundation has published an article in Genetics and Medicine which shows early hormonal treatment (EHT) can improve receptive and expressive language capabilities in boys with 47,XXY!
Spring Runs Forward!
Spring is here! This April for World Autism Awareness Month, learn some great facts about an amazing athlete, some fun activities you can try, and more!
Autism Awareness Day
Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd. Dr. Samango-Sprouse reported on a new screening method to detect infants at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
17th Annual 49er Conference
Covid-19 has greatly impacted us all and we are so happy to be back with our 49er families for the 17th Annual 49er Conference and Clinic in 2021! Register and learn more.
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Spring is here and we have some awesome scavenger hunt projects for kids! Print the sheet to get started.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
March 20 is Mr. Rogers’ birthday. Let’s take a look at some ways we can make friends and be kind to one another.
Spring Celebrations
Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s Party!” ~Robin Williams. See what’s celebrated this season!
Valentine’s Day STEAM Craft
Build sculptures using paper strip hearts as a fun Valentine’s Day craft, or turn it into a cool engineering challenge.
Long Winter
From Groundhog Day to the Full Snow Moon, this February is looking to have a long and chilly winter.
High School Student Runs Marathon for 49ers
Brigid Muller, a senior at Walter Panas High School in Cortlandt Manor, NY, ran The Marine Corps Marathon on the weekend in support of her cousin.
Recommended Kid Books on Diversity
We all live in the one world together. Let’s see how we’re different in some ways and the same in other ways. Here are some recommended books on diversity for your kids.
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter – Special Edition – November 2020
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter November 2020 Featuring: Snowflake Symphony Invitation, DeXY’s Corner – Music, DeXY’s Corner – Snowflakes, and more!
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter September 2019
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter September 2019 Featuring: A Welcome to Dr. Anderson, DeXY’s Corner – Back to School, Event Announcements and more!
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter May 2019
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter May 2019 Featuring: A Note from Dr. Sprouse, New Publications, Conference Announcements and more!
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter January 2019
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter January 2019 Featuring: A Note from Dr. Sprouse, Year in Review and Focusing on a happy, healthy 2019!
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter November 2018
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter November 2018 Featuring: Accolades, Fundraising Happenings, Upcoming Events and more!
PRESS RELEASE: Genetic Link to Cerebral Palsy May Be More Common Than Thought
Up to 1 in 3 people with cerebral palsy may have the condition due to an underlying genetic cause, suggests a study being presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Conference.
Dr. Sprouse featured as ABC WJLA’s “Working Woman!”
ABC WJLA’s coverage of $1 million donation benefiting The Focus Foundation’s research into rare childhood disorder:
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter May 2018
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter May 2018 Featuring: X and Y Chromosomal Variations Awareness Month; Facebook Live; Upcoming Events; Contributions and more!
$1 Million Bitcoin Donation to The Focus Foundation Featured on NBC 4 Washington News
Watch NBC 4 Washington’s News story on how the $86 million Pineapple Fund offers money to anyone who plans to use it to help others and the story of one woman who took a chance and found it was true.
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter February 2018
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter February 2018 Featuring: Welcome New Board Members; Facebook Live; Upcoming Events; Contributions and more!
DeXY’s Corner – February Apps for Kids
We have put together a list of apps for kids that enhance your children’s emerging skills and that they will absolutely adore.
DeXY’s Corner – February Fine Motor Skills
Fine Motor Skills are most often associated with the small muscles in the fingers, hands, and forearms. However, the development of other parts of the body can also play a role in fostering good coordination and accuracy.
DeXY’s Corner – February Take Time To Rhyme
Did you know that something as fun as rhyming is an important step on the path to reading? This simple play with words is an important stage in preliteracy.
DeXY’s Corner – February Dental Health Month
Being a dentist is a wonderful career choice. It means you want to help people be mouth healthy and make a difference in their health and well-being.
NBC 5 Chicago News Features $1 Million Bitcoin Donation to The Focus Foundation
Watch NBC 5 Chicago’s News story and interview of Focus Foundation’s co-founder, Jacolyn Bucksbaum, as she talks Pine and the indescribable feeling it is to know how many children we can help with this generous and anonymous donation!
The Focus Foundation Receives $1 Million Donation Through Pineapple Fund
The anonymous donor, “Pine” has donated $1 million dollars worth of Bitcoin to increase World Wide awareness and Improved Care of Children with X and Y Chromosomal Variations to a local non-profit organization.
PRESS RELEASE: The Focus Foundation Receives $1 Million Donation Through Pineapple Fund
The anonymous donor, “Pine” has donated $1 million dollars worth of Bitcoin to increase World Wide awareness and Improved Care of Children with X and Y Chromosomal Variations to a local non-profit organization.
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Winter 2017
A Letter from Dr. Sprouse: Dear Parents, Family, and Friends, 2017 proved to be another amazing year for our research and mission of The Focus Foundation!
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2017
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2017 Featuring: Science is Moving Forward Ongoing Projects Conference Fundraising Events DeXY’s Corner: Executive Function Gift Ideas The Color of Love Donations Our…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Winter 2016 Volume 7, Issue 3
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Winter 2016 Volume 7, Issue 3 Our Promise: For all families, The Focus Foundation promises to develop the latest and most innovative care. The…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2016 Volume 7, Issue 2
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2016 Volume 7, Issue 2 Our Promise: For all families, The Focus Foundation promises to develop the latest and most innovative care. The Focus…
Psychology Today: “Why Danny Can’t Read”
By Willow Lawson (March 1, 2003). Danny’s struggles with learning to read may not be laziness or a lack of intelligence. Instead, an extra chromosome could be to blame.
The Quad-City Times: “Davenport boy is beating the odds”
By Deirdre Cox Baker (October 2, 2008). Kelly Hunt’s newborn child had a curved pinky finger, a weak cry and extremely flexible limbs.
The Washington Post: “I’m Here to Make You Feel Better”
By Anita Slomski (March 10, 2009). Robots can already perform surgery and track your meds. Now, new models aim to provide therapy and support.
YouTube: “CosmoBot, Summer 2009” (in English) & “CosmoBot, Spring 2009” (in Spanish)
“CosmoBot, Summer 2009” (in English) “CosmoBot, Spring 2009” (in Spanish)
The New Yorker – Robots That Care: Advances in Technological Therapy
By Jerome Groopman (October 26, 2009). Born in Belgrade, in what was then Yugoslavia, Maja Matarić originally wanted to study languages and art…
Time Magazine: Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs of 2009: New Research on Autism
By Alice Park (December 8, 2009). In addition to leading The Focus Foundation, Dr. Samango-Sprouse served on the steering committee of the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, the organization featured in the Top 10 as well as in the article Autism Linked to Genes That Govern How the Brain is Wired
The Washington Post “Mother labored to find reason for son’s developmental delays”
By Sandra G. Boodman (August 24, 2010). Adults who encountered Adam Driscoll as a baby tended to be impressed by his quiet, easygoing nature.
Fox 29 Philadelphia News
Check out Fox Philly’s story “boys born with abnormal chromosomes thrive from innovative treatment” Focus Foundation thanks reporter Jennaphr Frederick at Fox News, Philadelphia, for her story about Rocco and…
Black & White Casino Night in January, 2017
The Focus Foundation’s first-ever fundraising event in the San Francisco Bay Area was a night of luck and laughter. The Great Highway provided an eye-catching event venue, with walls of…
SAVE THE DATE – Oktoberfest on October 6, 2016
The Greater Philadelphia Fundraising Committee for The Focus Foundation will have the Sixth Oktoberfest on October 6, 2016. Hope to see you there!
Coming Across the Pond!
Coming Across the Pond! We are very excited to announce our opening of the European X & Y Chromosomal program for Children and Families with 49, XXXXY sponsored by The…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Summer 2016 Volume 7, Issue 1
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Summer 2016 Volume 7, Issue 1 We’re six months into our 10th Anniversary LOOK WHAT YOU HELPED US ACCOMPLISH -it is only JUNE !…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2015
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2015 It is our 10th Anniversary After just 10 years, The Focus Foundation is recognized as one of the global leader in the…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Winter 2014 Volume 5, Issue 2
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Winter 2014 Volume 5, Issue 2 Featuring: Year End Giving Fall Accomplishments Continued and New Research DeXY’s Corner: Social Anxiety Dear Friends and Families, Holiday…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2014 Volume 4, Issue 2
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2014 Volume 4, Issue 2 Dear Friends and Families, We are preparing to mark the upcoming 10th anniversary of The Focus Foundation. In just…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Winter 2013 Volume 3, Issue 3
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Winter 2013 Volume 3, Issue 3 Dear Focus Foundation Friends and Families, This time of year is always a time of reflection for us,…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2013 Volume 3, Issue 1
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2013 Volume 3, Issue 1 Dear Focus Foundation Friends and Families, As school gears up and fall approaches The Focus Foundation would like to…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Spring 2013 Volume 3, Issue 2
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Spring 2013 Volume 3, Issue 2 Spring has sprung and we are ready for it! Be sure to check out the latest news and…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2012 Volume 2, Issue 2
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Fall 2012 Volume 2, Issue 2 Letter From Dr. Carole Samango-Sprouse Greetings! Summer has flown by here in Annapolis! It has been unbelievably hot and…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Spring 2012 Volume 2, Issue 1
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Spring 2012 Volume 2, Issue 1 What’s New? May Awareness May is National X & Y Chromosomal Variations Awareness Month! Help us to spread the…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Winter 2011
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Winter 2011 What’s Inside? What’s New – An update on The Focus Foundation since our last newsletter Holiday Books for Every Age Balance and…
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Winter 2010 Volume 1, Issue 1
The Magnifying Glass – A Newsletter Winter 2010 Volume 1, Issue 1 Dear Focus Foundation Friends and Families, 2010 is drawing to a close and it has been a wonderful…