About Us
Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome (PRISMS, Inc.) is an advocacy, education, and support organization for individuals with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS), their families, and the professionals who serve them.
PRISMS is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed on February 4, 1993, by a group of parents and professionals with a desire to build education, awareness, and research opportunities for all those affected by SMS.
Our Mission
PRISMS is dedicated to providing information and support to families of persons with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS), sponsoring research and fostering partnerships with professionals to increase awareness and understanding of SMS.
Our Vision
PRISMS is a leader of the Smith-Magenis Syndrome community and engages, inspires and supports families, physicians, educators, researchers, and others so they can improve the lives of everyone affected by SMS.
Our Values
COMPASSIONATE
We are a compassionate organization that cares deeply about the well-being and the needs of each and every individual within the SMS community.
EMPOWERING
We empower families with the knowledge they need to make the best decisions for their family's needs.
CONSCIENTIOUS
We are conscientious in ensuring that all our actions and practices serve the needs of the SMS community.
INCLUSIVE
We encourage and seek participation from all those interested in advocating for and creating a positive impact for the SMS community.
EXCELLENCE
We focus on quality, conducting our work to the highest ethical and professional standards and striving for excellence in all that we do.
ABOUT
PRISMS
OUR HISTORY
The Beginning
PRISMS was founded in 1993 by parents Margaret and Scott Miller, and genetic counselors Brenda Finucane and Ann C.M. Smith.
The first steps in crafting the organization began at a kitchen table, with modest intentions, and the uncertainty of how they might make an impact and reach out to other families. But they, (the founders), understood that parents and professionals needed to work together in an effort to provide hope and support for families of persons diagnosed with Smith-Magenis syndrome. This partnership of four adults and a tiny baby forged what would become PRISMS, Inc.
The Legacy
For over 30 years, PRISMS has led the charge in supporting the SMS community through programs and services dedicated to education, awareness, and research. The organization is proud of the legacy our founders and families have created and are honored to continue to have their continued involvement today. PRISMS is working with the global SMS community to build a future of hope. We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings at a kitchen table, and we have a long way to go, but we have an incredible community to make it happen.
ANN C.M. SMITH, MA, DSC (HON), CGC, CHAIR EMERITUS OF PRISMS PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY BOARD AND CO-FOUNDER OF PRISMS
“The early help line was my personal phone number. By 1990, the syndrome had been named Smith-Magenis syndrome, years after we found the deletion. We recognized that if we have one family here who has the question, there are others. There was an impetus to find a network of support to form the early days.”
BRENDA FINUCANE, MS, LGC, PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY BOARD AND CO-FOUNDER OF PRISMS
“PRISMS is a beautifully woven tapestry, of which we all have a thread.”
JEAN BISHOP, SMS MOM, HOST OF ANNUAL NICKELS FOR NICO FUNDRAISER
“PRISMS has become our family outside of our biological family. We got his diagnosis when he was just 14-months old. Right about when he turned two, we went to our first PRISMS conference. We had never met anyone else with the syndrome before. It was very powerful. And getting suggestions with how to prevent behavior and manage everything from medications to sleep, it’s just priceless.”
Learn More
Check out the work PRISMS is doing to make a difference and how you can be part of our story.