The Turner Syndrome Foundation is grateful to have the support of many amazing Board Members who are passionate about advancing the cause. We are excited to introduce the newest member of our Board: Marvin Prestridge IV, Trustee Corporate Partnerships!
Marvin joins our Board with a personal connection to TS in hopes of bringing awareness to honor a loved one.
My Connection to Turner Syndrome
My connection to Turner syndrome started recently after the loss of our daughter, Cassidy. Measuring short throughout the pregnancy, my wife and I were advised at her 30-week appointment that it was a possibility that Cassidy might have Turner syndrome. Unfortunately, Cassidy ended up passing away in utero, and after further testing, it was confirmed she had indeed had Turner syndrome.
Before her diagnosis, I had never heard of Turner syndrome, which surprised me considering I had grown up around many female family members. After working with the doctors during the pregnancy (which included needing to transfer hospitals at one point to another with a better equipped NICU), and hearing some of the experiences of others through the Turner Syndrome Foundation; I realized that while doctors could treat related health issues individually, a lot of doctors did not appear to have a complete understanding of the diagnosis as a whole.
Leaning On Our Support System
Despite the very difficult time after Cassidy’s passing, I do consider myself lucky to have had the amazing support system we did with family members, friends, and surrounding community members who checked in on us consistently, drove multiple hours to deliver meals, and also helped to assist us with our other children and pets.Â
I also found great emotional support in a support group for grieving fathers called Sad Dads, which has helped make it easier for me to process the grief and to tell Cassidy’s story.
And of course, Laura Fasciano and many of the other members of the Turner Syndrome Foundation have also been a huge support and source of encouragement for us as well. We officially connected at the Tampa Bay Rays event for Turner syndrome in Tampa, FL over the summer, where I got to meet many girls and families who shared amazing and encouraging stories of living with Turner syndrome.
Having all this support has made it possible for my family and I to work through some of our grief, and I realized how important it is to have a strong system of support, and that others aren’t always as lucky. I hope to help the Turner Syndrome Foundation continue to grow and build its resources to be that support for the many families who have stories similar to ours.
My Goals as a Board Member
While I haven’t had much experience with non-profit work before connecting with the Turner Syndrome Foundation, losing Cassidy has helped me reflect and realize the impact volunteering can have, and the importance of foundations like these in raising awareness and support. The volunteer work has also helped me and my family feel close to Cassidy, and my kids love that the symbol for Turner syndrome is a butterfly.
I hope to help the Turner Syndrome Foundation continue to bring awareness and support by helping secure regular and sustainable funding through corporate and larger business partnerships. I also hope to build funding for research initiatives and materials to create a greater awareness of Turner Syndrome through State and Federal levels.
Parting Advice
My parting advice for families who are affected by Turner syndrome is to get diagnosed as soon as possible for the best chance at dealing with the health obstacles down the road. It is also important to always be an advocate for yourself and or your family member, and to bring awareness in your own community.
Having support is also very important; having our family, the grief support group, and the support of the foundation has helped in big ways. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask others for support.
And while this story isn’t a fully happy one, joining with the Turner Syndrome Foundation has had an overall positive impact and helps me feel like I am doing something to keep Cassidy’s memory alive.
Join Me and Learn How You, Too, Can Support the Cause:
You can be a conduit for change.
If your employer supports charities, we would like an opportunity to share information about the cause to gain their support. Corporate partnerships are important to the future of TS. Send your inquiry to info@tsfusa.org.
THE 1938 COLLECTIVE IS MORE THAN A GIVING PROGRAM — IT’S A CIRCLE OF BELIEVERS STANDING FOR TURNER SYNDROME. YOUR GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT ENSURES THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO HELP ALL PEOPLE.Â
JOIN US IN CHANGING LIVES EVERY SINGLE MONTH.
BECOME A MONTHLY MEMBER
Written by Brooke Caron and designed by Gerely Caba.
© Turner Syndrome Foundation, 2025
What an inspiring introduction to Marvin Prestridge and his journey with Turner Syndrome! It’s heartwarming to see someone so dedicated on the board, advocating for awareness and support. As a healthcare professional who has worked closely with individuals experiencing various syndromes, I know firsthand how crucial community involvement is in fostering understanding.
I love that TSF continues to spotlight such passionate geometry dash unblocked leaders—what initiatives do you think would further engage the wider community in supporting those with Turner Syndrome? Also, have any upcoming events or projects been planned that we can all look forward to? Excited to hear more!