2026 Charlie's Believe Fly-In & RC Airshow

Charlotte “Charlie” was born in November 2019, to Lisa and Larry in St. Louis, Missouri. Her arrival was anything but easy. During delivery, Charlie’s arm was broken, and doctors immediately noted low muscle tone. She struggled with feeding and spent her first days in the NICU.

After a difficult start, Charlie came home to a family overflowing with love and relief. She was welcomed by her sister, parents, and extended family, who had been anxiously waiting to finally have her home.

In the months that followed, however, it became clear that her development was not progressing as expected. Milestones such as sitting, verbalizing, and making eye contact were delayed. These early concerns unfolded during 2020, as families everywhere—including ours—were navigating the isolation and uncertainty of the COVID‑19 pandemic.

We sought answers through pediatric neurology, where Charlie underwent genetic testing and imaging. It was there that we received her diagnosis: Dup15q syndrome.

At the time, we knew nothing about Dup15q. As many parents faced with a rare diagnosis, we searched desperately for information, trying to understand what this would mean for Charlie and for her future. We learned that Dup15q can involve low muscle tone, global developmental delay and intellectual disability; severe autism spectrum disorder; speech and language impairments; motor coordination challenges; and an increased risk of seizures and epilepsy. The weight of that knowledge was overwhelming and heartbreaking.

But in time, that heartbreak became purpose.

We focused on finding every possible resource to help Charlie grow and thrive. Early intervention services, ABA therapy, orthotics, assistive devices, and the unwavering support of organizations like AFA Academy have all played a critical role in her journey. Along the way, Charlie faced additional challenges, including corrective surgery for strabismus and nightly bracing for hip dysplasia—obstacles she has since overcome.

Today, Charlie is walking, smiling, learning, growing, and discovering her own ways to communicate with the world. Every milestone is hard‑won, every step forward deeply celebrated. We are incredibly proud of her progress and filled with hope for her future.

This is why we are asking for your support.

Dup15q affects individuals of all ages and presents lifelong challenges for many families. The Dup15q Alliance provides vital resources, education, advocacy, and community support to those navigating this diagnosis.

Your donation helps expand access to these services, advance research, and strengthen the support networks that families like ours rely on every day.

We hope you will consider giving generously to the Dup15q Alliance so individuals living with Dup15q syndrome have the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential.