The 2026 NFXF Awards were given out at the 20th NFXF International Fragile X Conference. Learn more about each award and its awardees — Community Support Network, Research, Clinical, Hagerman, the Al and Melissa Blount Lifetime Achievement, and two special honorees.
Community Impact Award
The Community Impact Award honors significant contributions to awareness and support of the Fragile X community.
Meet Marcella Almeida, Rhode Island
Marcella and her husband are parents to four incredible children – three of whom have Fragile X syndrome. They received a diagnosis in 2022, and dove right in. The Almeida family pledged to raise awareness of Fragile X, including support for their local community and participation in NFXF events like the 19th NFXF International Fragile X Conference and X Strides. Known as the Little Rhody Warriors, they are quite the force to be reckoned with!
NFXF Research Award
The NFXF Research Award honors outstanding contributions to our understanding of Fragile X.
Meet the University of South Carolina Fragile X Collaborative
The newest NIH-funded Fragile X Center of Excellence, led by Drs. Jane Roberts, Jessica Klusek, Abigail Hogan, and team, the University of South Carolina Fragile X Collaborative is dedicated to addressing gaps in Fragile X research, including a focus on females with Fragile X syndrome and the premutation, across the lifespan. We are grateful not only for their leadership, but for their continued advocacy of these topics at the community level all the way up to the federal level.
NFXF Clinical Award
The NFXF Clinical Awards honor dedicated clinical service to families in the Fragile X community.
Meet Dr. Deborah Sara Barbouth
As director of the South Florida Fragile X Clinic, Dr. Barbouth continues to serve the Fragile X community with excellence and is beloved by everyone she meets. Dr. Barbouth has a particular focus on integrative health, supporting families with a holistic approach.
We are particularly inspired and excited about her and her team’s efforts to open a women’s clinic to serve all those living with FX across the lifespan and conditions.
Hagerman Award
The Hagerman Award honors groundbreaking research on Fragile X-associated conditions and disorders.
Meet Dr. Flora Tassone
Dr. Tassone’s critical molecular and biomarker work helps to advance what we know and hope to know about the premutation, particularly FXTAS. Dr. Tassone has always championed biobanking efforts, which support advancing the field and ensuring there are options for research. In addition to all her research, she has been a champion of the global Fragile X premutation community, organizing the ever-popular, ever-productive International Conference on Fragile X Premutation Associated Conditions.
Al and Melissa Blount Lifetime Achievement Award
The Al and Melissa Blount Lifetime Achievement Award honors sustained and generous support of the NFXF and the Fragile X community.
Meet Joey Christoff
As a forever NFXF champion and former Board President, Joey dug into the Fragile X community and never stopped.
Since 2017, Joey Christoff has hosted an annual multi-day event he calls “Fishing for a Cure” at his home in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Joey started the tradition in honor of his son, Mitchell, who has Fragile X syndrome, and his wife and mother-in-law who are carriers at risk of Fragile X-associated disorders.
From fun events like Fishing for a Cure to sponsoring billboards educating people while they are driving about Fragile X (safely, of course!), Joey is a true champion of the Fragile X community. Thank you!
Two Special Honorees
Meet Laurie Bridges and Kara Frech
Laurie & Kara are currently our Board President and Vice Presidents. They have served for two terms in their role, an admirable tenure that has guided and inspired the NFXF to be what it is today.
Laurie has led the National Fragile X Foundation with unwavering positivity and a remarkable ability to help each of us “find our people.” Her leadership has strengthened not only our organization, but also the sense of community and belonging that makes the Fragile X family so special.
Kara’s positive Philly energy, commitment to good governance, and talent for bringing new people into the fold have made a lasting impact on the National Fragile X Foundation. She has helped ensure that our board remains strong, engaged, and prepared for the future.
