Help Raise Awareness of 22q

Only one tiny missing piece of the 22nd chromosome can result in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, and it's one of the most common... So help raise awareness!

You may have come across it being referred to as Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS), and/or DiGeorge Syndrome. 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q) can be the cause of up to 200 mild to serious health and developmental issues in children and young adults. 

What is 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome?

Due to the chromosomal abnormality of the missing 22nd chromosome, the syndrome can cause a wide range of health and developmental issues, ranging from heart defects, breathing impairments, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, immune and endocrine systems, palate differences, slow growth, autism and/or developmental delays or learning disabilities in some people. 

SEE ALSO: All about 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and Duplication Syndrome

Children born with this syndrome may have many, or just a few of the symptoms, and the severity can vary from person to person. In fact, every child born with 22q presents a unique set of the possible cc. 200 symptoms, and thus is uniquely difficult for even the best doctors to recognise. 

It is such a unique syndrome, that every child can manifest 22q in multiple ways that are unique to them and them only. 

November is 22q Awareness Month 

Charities and support groups dedicated to raising awareness of 22q join forces every November to shed light and promote awareness to stop this relatively common condition from being relatively unknown. 

The aim of the month is to ensure the question "what is 22q?" becomes one that we'll stop hearing, and ensure that the world knows just how complex a condition it is. All round support is sometimes required and vital in making sure and help children affected to thrive, as well as remembering those who pass away in the earliest days of their life as a result of 22q. 

Learn about all sides of 22q, and help others learn too by lending your support and raising your awareness. 

Led by The International 22q11.2 Foundation Inc., participants can join in their #22qAware campaign via social media or by visiting their website for more information.

International Charities and Support Groups for 22q

• The International 22q11.2 Foundation Inc
• 22q11.2 Society
• Max Appeal!
• The 22 Crew
• 22q11 Ireland
• Dempster Family Foundation: Pitching for 22q
• VCFS and 22q11 Foundation Inc.
• Great Ormand Street Hospital

Are you aware of any other charities or support groups around the world that can be added to our list? Please don't hesitate to get in touch by emailing editor at expatwoman dot com.