News & Stories
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Connecting Hearts and Art: A Tale of Friendship and Inspiration at CHARGE Conferences.
By: Cullen Drew Mentorship and Training Specialist
In 2019 at the 14th International CHARGE Conference in Dallas, Texas, Jason from Ontario, Canada, attended his first plane journey accompanied by his Intervenors. For Jason, who has Charge Syndrome, this event was more than learning about his condition; it was a chance to forge lasting memories and friendships.
During the conference, Jason met Jacob, a young artist from North Carolina, along with his parents Emrick and Kathy Jones. Jacob’s passion for creativity was evident through his unique initiative of distributing boxes of sidewalk chalk labeled with his website and a hashtag. This gesture encouraged attendees to create chalk art and share their creations, leaving a profound impact.
In 2023, Emrick Jones shared updates about their experience at the 15th International CHARGE Conference in Orlando. Jacob’s continued enthusiasm for art inspired others to express themselves creatively, though responses to his chalk art initiative were modest.
Moved by Jacob’s initiative and the opportunity to foster connections, discussions at Sensity, led to organizing a “Chalking for CHARGE” event on June 20th. Participants joined virtually as Jacob live-streamed his chalk art session from North Carolina, creating a sense of community and celebrating creativity across borders.
Reflecting on this journey, Cullen Drew, a Mentorship and Training Specialist at Sensity, expressed gratitude for the friendships made through CHARGE conferences. The initial encounter with Jacob in Dallas had grown into a meaningful friendship grounded in shared interests and mutual support.
Jacob continues to inspire through his artistic journey, sharing creations and positivity within the CHARGE community on his Facebook page “Jacob in CHARGE.” His dedication illustrates the transformative power of creativity and connection.
In a world often divided, stories like Jacob’s and Jason’s remind us of the bridges that can be built through kindness, shared passions, and a desire to connect. As we anticipate future CHARGE conferences, let us celebrate individuals like Jacob whose creativity enriches lives in countless ways.
Follow Jacob’s artistic journey and learn more about CHARGE Syndrome on his Facebook page at Jacob in CHARGE.