One Big Family: Fragile X Bowl-a-Thon Brings Hope And Awareness

CLAYTON, N.C. — For a few hours Sunday afternoon, the focus at Rainbow Lanes wasn’t on strikes or spares. It was on families.

The North Carolina Fragile X Foundation hosted its annual Bowl-a-Thon in Clayton, bringing together families from across the state for an afternoon of bowling, fellowship and support during National Fragile X Awareness Month.

The event serves as both a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization and an opportunity for families affected by Fragile X syndrome to spend time with others who understand the unique challenges they face.

“It’s one of the few times each year that so many of our families can get together,” organizers said. “It’s a chance to catch up, support one another and welcome families who may be attending for the first time.”

State Rep. Donna White of Clayton attended the event and spent time meeting with families, caregivers and support workers while expressing her support for North Carolina’s intellectual and developmental disabilities community.

The gathering came just days after Gov. Josh Stein signed a proclamation declaring July 22 as Fragile X Syndrome Awareness Day in North Carolina. The proclamation recognizes Fragile X syndrome as one of the most common inherited causes of intellectual disability and encourages greater awareness, education and support for individuals and families affected by the condition.

Throughout the afternoon, bowlers of all ages filled the lanes while volunteers sold raffle tickets and families cheered one another on.

For many attending, the event wasn’t about competition.

“It was a wonderful time for families to come together, raise awareness, support one another and build community,” organizers said. “The Fragile X group is one big family.”

Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities and behavioral challenges. While thousands of North Carolinians are affected by Fragile X syndrome or Fragile X-associated conditions, many families say awareness of the disorder remains low.

Events like Sunday’s Bowl-a-Thon help change that while also reminding families they are not alone.