HADDS Awareness Month

Pen Pal Program Sign-up Form

Pen Pal Program Overview

For HADDS awareness month, we’re introducing a pen pal program! The purpose of the program is to provide the opportunity for participants to build friendships with others in our global community who have EBF3 HADDS or 10q26 deletion syndrome.

The suggested age for participants is 6-18. Volunteers from the EBF3 HADDS Foundation will match those who submit the form below based on ages, interests or information provided.

If there are individuals over 18 looking to participate, please submit a form and we will do our best to match you with another participant. For families with a child under age 6, if you would like your family to participate, please submit a form and we will do our best to connect you with another family.

For Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

In the form, we ask for your information and your email address so you can first introduce yourself to the family you’ve been matched with. We also require your consent for your child to participate as this will involve the exchange of personal information such as your child’s first name, your mailing address and information submitted such as interests. We encourage parents, guardians and caregivers to engage, support and supervise your child’s participation and assist with tasks as needed. As this is a new initiative, please help us improve the program by informing us of any questions or concerns at info@hadds.org.

Timing

Matches will be made towards the end of February and we will send overview information about your pen pal as well as their parent / guardian contact information via email to the address provided in the form below. We will do our best to match participants based on similar ages, interests, and any special requests or comments.

To keep up the enthusiasm, we kindly ask you that your first correspondence be sent out within two weeks. The idea is to send mailed letters (typed, voice dictated or handwritten – whatever works) as this may be a unique and fun experience, especially for younger participants who may not often receive personal mail in this increasingly digital age.

Supplies

Supplies needed to participate include stationary and postage, which will be at the cost of the participants (or their parents!). You are welcome to send or include any other items that might be fun for you and your pen pal.

Information

Name of parent / guardian

Email address of parent / guardian

First name of pen pal program participant

Age of pen pal participant

Languages (what languages are you comfortable corresponding in?)

What are your favorite activities to do for fun? (examples: music, art, sports, anything you like to do)

What specific interests do you have? (examples: book or tv show genres, certain topics, types of crafts, specific games)

What is your favorite thing to do in school?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Do you know any good jokes? Share one with us!

Are there any specific requests you or your parents have for a pen pal? For example: a match within your country only? Penpal of a certain gender? People or families you may want to exclude from being matched from as you know them personally already?

Mailing Information

Country/Region

Address

City

Zip / Postal code

Parent / Guardian Consent

I give my consent for my minor child to participate in the EBF3 HADDS Foundation pen pal program.

I understand that the information included above will be shared with another family in the EBF3 HADDS / 10q26 deletion community for the purposes of pen pal matching.

I acknowledge that I am responsible for monitoring my child's pen pal communication and ensuring their safety throughout the program.

I understand that it is our choice to stop participating in the pen pal program at any time if we feel it is no longer a suitable or safe experience.

Yes to above

Parent / Guardian signature