First International
Alström Syndrome Conference

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Canada
August, 1995

In August of 1995, we only knew of nine children in the world who were diagnosed with Alström Syndrome ~ five of these children were of Acadian descent and living in the Maritime Provinces of Canada. The Canadian families offered to host the first International Alström Syndrome Reunion, held on the "Acadian shore" of Nova Scotia. With the help of their communities and organizations such as the International Lions Club, families from Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, the United States, and Australia were able to join together for three days. Eight young children with Alström Syndrome were able to meet for the first time. Friendships and emotional bonds were formed that were the beginnings of the International Society for Alström Syndrome Families.