A Summer of Connection Across Our Chapters

by Jenny Gast, National Director, Chapter Programs, FSHD Society

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What makes our chapter network so meaningful isn’t the size of the events, but the spirit within them. This summer, each gathering, whether big or small, offered space for connection and understanding, reminding us that even simple moments together can bring strength, hope, and a sense of belonging. From ballgames to picnics to shared meals, our chapters created opportunities for people to come together, lift one another up, and celebrate the power of community. 

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Summer at the Ballpark 

Baseball turned out to be a theme this summer, with chapters on both coasts heading to the stadium. In June, the Pacific Northwest Chapter gathered at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma to watch the Rainiers take on the Salt Lake Bees. Before the first pitch, everyone came together on the field for a group photo. The day doubled as an early celebration of World FSHD Day and Father’s Day, making it extra meaningful for everyone who spent the afternoon cheering, laughing, and connecting. 

Later in August, the North Carolina Chapter brought their own ballpark magic to Hickory Crawdads Stadium. Our chapter community came together for an evening of baseball, good food, and great company, wrapping up the night under a sky filled with fireworks. It was a joyful way to celebrate summer and strengthen connections within the community. 

From one coast to another, baseball gave our community the perfect backdrop to celebrate summer together. 

Lights in Atlanta 

On World FSHD Day itself, the Atlanta Chapter gathered on the patio at El Azteca Perimeter, where everyone had the perfect view of the King & Queen Buildings glowing bright orange. Chapter members gathered over dinner and celebrated as the lights came on, a powerful reminder of the visibility and strength of our community. 

Picnics and Pathways 

In August, the Western PA Chapter gathered under the pavilion at Adams Township Park in Mars for a summer picnic. Members spent the afternoon catching up, sharing stories, and enjoying the chance to be together again in person. 

Just a week later, the New England Chapter came together for a luncheon at the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center in Bristol, CT. With woodland trails as the backdrop, the group shared a meal and conversation, enjoying the peaceful setting for an afternoon of connection. 

Painting Canada Orange 

Our Canadian Chapters were on a mission for World FSHD Day – to ‘paint Canada orange’, and they did not disappoint! Major landmarks across the country were lit in orange on June 20th, including: The Sails of Light in Vancouver, BC, the Calgary Tower in Calgary, AB, and 4 landmarks in Ontario: the Ottawa letters in Ottawa, the CN Tower in Toronto, the lights of Niagara Falls, and Windsor main street. Chapter members in each city came together to celebrate, raise awareness, and grab their selfies with these amazing landmarks. 

And Many More Moments 

Other chapters also found ways to connect, including the World FSHD Day picnic in St. Louis, a summer meet-up in Fargo, an in-person gathering in San Diego, and a hybrid meeting in the Bay Area. 

This summer showed the beauty of simply being together, sharing stories, enjoying familiar faces, and welcoming new ones. Thank you for bringing your energy and heart to these gatherings. With every season, our chapters grow not just in numbers, but in the simple yet powerful connections that keep our community strong.