Our Story

Fragile What?

That's what everyone says. That's exactly why we exist.

The Door That Almost Closed Forever

Our son Shawn was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome at 22 months old.

We got lucky. A doctor in our family spotted hypotonia — a subtle muscle tone issue that was the only clue something genetic was happening. Shawn's regular doctor dismissed it.

We had to fight for genetic testing. And even then, they didn't test for Fragile X. They tested for other syndromes first. We had to demand Fragile X be included. Shawn was initially rejected for the test.

So Autumn got herself tested as a carrier. That's how we finally confirmed our son's diagnosis.

They were happy to label him autistic and move on. We had to fight for answers.

1 in 150

women carry the Fragile X premutation. Most have no idea. Unlike other carrier statuses, it comes with its own health implications — fertility challenges, early menopause, and neurological issues later in life.

What Genetic Testing Unlocked

Because we knew, we could act.

Ages 2 to 5, Shawn took a serotonin reuptake inhibitor to trick his hypothalamus into growing properly. That window doesn't reopen.

Today, Shawn is on a repurposed Alzheimer's medication through an open-label study. His learning and personal growth are accelerating. He's a Special Olympics golf gold medalist — competing against adults who've been playing for years. He takes every putt deadly seriously. He once spent 25 seconds lining up a 2-inch putt during competition.

"The bottleneck isn't compassion. It's vocabulary. When people learn the words, they care. When they care, policy follows. When policy follows, every child gets tested."

Why Earrings?

Lance built Green Tree Jewelry a farmers market table — 15 years ago in San Diego. Over those 15 years, he handed out over 15,000 Fragile X awareness earrings at trade shows. Not for sale. Just for awareness.

Fragile What? is the commercial evolution of that mission. Awareness earrings made from 100% recycled California office paper. Lightweight. Soft touch. An artistic, gallery-like feel that's unlike any earring you've worn.

Hypoallergenic stainless steel hardware. USA-made in San Diego. Every pair comes on a card with Fragile X facts.

When someone asks "what are those?" — you get to tell them. That one conversation could change a family's future.

THE MISSION

No child diagnosed with autism without genetic testing.

She Carries More Than She Knows

1 in 150 women carry the Fragile X premutation. That's an estimated 50 million women worldwide. Less than 1% know.

Carriers face real health implications: infertility, early menopause (FXPOI), and later in life, tremors, balance issues, and cognitive decline (FXTAS). This isn't just a rare disease — it's a women's health issue.

Medical guidelines already say every child diagnosed with autism should be tested for Fragile X. It's not happening. Most doctors stop at autism. Most parents don't know to ask.

We're changing that. One pair of earrings at a time.