My TS Story - Conference Edition, by Brittany Hinsey

Hi, my name is Brittany Hinsey and I just wanted to give my insights on my experience with the Turner Syndrome Society’s conference. First and foremost, this year’s conference in Portland, Oregon was my second conference. My first conference was 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

One thing I must say is I regret not getting to attend the conferences when I was younger and first diagnosed. I guess my parents didn’t have all of the information and knowledge about TSSUS and these conferences. The TSSUS annual conference is a mixture of both fun, education, and inspiration.

It is really hard coming back home after being in a space where you can just let loose and relate to everyone and not be judged for you who you are. Just from attending 2 conferences I have already met my lifelong Turner syndrome sisters who I treasure so deeply. I want to shout out Robin, Isabella, Megan, and Taylor.

I have attended the educational sessions and have a better understanding now of Turner syndrome as a whole and why I am the way I am. The sessions are very educational, organized, and the perfect timed length. TSSUS has so much to offer at the conferences. There’s breakfast and lunch. And there’s a special dinner and dance on the last night.

The gift shop is open the whole weekend with Turner syndrome merch! There are fun mingles and group hangouts for those with TS in your age group! I am completely and totally obsessed with these conferences and I’m so happy I have found this annual tradition to do with my mom and my family.

The best part is that each year it’s in a new state, so my best advice is to get there a couple days before the conference and do some sightseeing or stay a couple of days after to do sightseeing and make a trip out of it!

Also, you can enroll in the TSSUS Turner Syndrome Research Registry! At every other conference, the Healthy Heart Project offers free echo scans! I’m an echo tech and just got to scan echos at this past conference!

And one last thing, start going when you’re young because I was diagnosed at 8 and didn’t go to my first conference until I was 25. Seeing the little young butterflies dancing on the stage at the dance always puts a tear in my eye and smile on my face. I love you, TSSUS. You have forever changed my life.