I am delighted to serve as a Trustee for SOFT UK from the USA where I have lived since 1989, although I was born and brought up in the UK. I have worked in medical communications and education, patient advocacy and collaborated with healthcare providers for over two decades. Partnering with medical professionals and non-professional caregivers has shown me how communications, awareness and support can be most effective. That became personal in 1991 when our daughter Maria was born with Trisomy 13. Maria lived for six days and is still very much a part of our family. I hope to use these professional and personal experiences to further awareness and engagement with SOFT UK and support interactions with all involved in caring for those affected by Trisomy.