Community Involvement

SMPS Maryland is passionate about our community, and values giving back through both monetary donations and volunteer efforts.

The chapter has a long history of service with local organizations including: The Maryland Food Bank, Healthcare for the Homeless, The Red Devils, and The Loading Dock. Our chapter also focuses on forging connections with other professional organizations, both within and outside of the A/E/C industry, in an ongoing effort to advance the visibility and mission of SMPS Maryland in the greater community. This year, SMPS Maryland will be supporting research for MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. 

Amy Morrison Baker, national marketing manager for STV and SMPS member for over 20 years (previously served as an SMPS Board Member and recipient of the 2012 Blue Heron Award), was faced with every parent’s nightmare when she learned her youngest daughter had been diagnosed with MECP2 Duplication Syndrome, an extremely rare and severe genetic disorder with no cure. Characteristics of this disorder, which is so new to the medical field that many doctors have never even heard of it, include profound developmental delays, limited or absent speech, low muscle tone, reflux, recurrent respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, and seizures. Children with this syndrome are prone to pneumonia and more than 90% succumb before they reach adulthood.

At 11 years old, Meghan Baker cannot walk, crawl, or talk. She is fed through a tube that goes directly into her stomach. She also breathes through an alternate airway called a tracheotomy and needs supplemental oxygen support when sleeping. But, Meghan is lucky. Many children with this syndrome (approximately 1,500 diagnosed cases around the world) have uncontrollable seizures every day. But there is hope!

In 2015, Dr. Huda Zoghbi’s lab at Texas Children’s Hospital found the symptoms to be completely reversible in mice with the same syndrome. Her lab is working on several experiments that are critical next steps before clinical trials in humans can begin. But, these experiments need funding to continue. That’s why Amy and her family are actively fundraising. They are so close to finding a cure! Hopefully, the cure is within Meghan’s lifetime.

For more information about MECP2 Duplication Syndrome, please visit: Cure MECP2 Duplication Syndrome

To follow Meghan and her family, please visit: Meghan's Smile

To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit here.