FAQs
What is Ring 22?
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Ring 22 chromosome disorder (often called Ring Chromosome 22) is a very rare genetic condition where one of a person’s chromosome (22ns) forms a ring instead of its normal shape. This loss of genetic material affects how the body and brain develop. Because genes are missing, it can lead to developmental delays, intellectual disability, speech difficulties, and often medical issues like seizures or coordination problems. No two cases are exactly the same, so symptoms can range from mild to very severe. It’s extremely rare, with only a small number of documented cases worldwide. In simple terms, it’s a condition that changes how a child’s body and brain grow, often requiring lifelong care, but each person’s experience with it is unique.
Who is Alec Matthew?
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Alec Matthew Gardner was a ray of sunshine in everyones life who knew him. He was born in 2001 and lived with an extremely rare genetic condition called Ring 22 chromosome disorder. This condition affected his brain development and overall health, leading to significant physical, developmental, and medical challenges throughout his life, especially severe developmental delays, seizures, and ongoing medical complications.
Despite these hardships, Alec was known as a deeply happy, loving, and resilient person. He required constant care, therapies, and frequent hospitalizations, but he continued to make progress in his own way and brought joy to those around him, especially his parents and 4 other siblings.
His impact was profound: Alec became the emotional center of his family. His strength, spirit, and perseverance brought people together, inspired love, faith, and resilience, and shaped the lives and values of everyone close to him. Even through immense struggle, he was a source of light, connection, and purpose.
In the end, after a lifetime of challenges, Alec passed away in 2025 surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of deep love, unity, and inspiration.
I’d like to support the foundation- what can I do?
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First of all, thank you for your interest in supporting the Alec 22 Scholarship Foundation. It’s people like you who make our mission possible. There are many ways to support our cause, from becoming a donor to sharing our story to reach potential recipients. All donations are tax-deductible, and sharing out our foundation can help us reach future students and help them have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Who can Apply?
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The Alec Matthew Ring 22 Scholarship Foundation awards annual scholarships to students who have a sibling or close family member affected by Ring 22 syndrome. Our goal is to support students who have demonstrated resilience, compassion, and personal growth in the context of their family experience.