State Member for Hornsby, Matt Kean MP, is encouraging residents to recognise Velocardiofacial Syndrome Awareness Week 2012 (20-27 August) by learning more about and raising awareness of VCFS.
According to the VCFS and 2211 Foundation, VCFS is a multiple anomaly syndrome caused by a submicroscopic deletion of genetic material from the long arm of chromosome 22.
It is estimated that around 1 in 2000 births are affected making it the second most common genetic syndrome.
Some of the associated features of VCFS include palate and throat problems, heart defects, characteristic facial appearance, and learning difficulties/developmental delay.
'Countless individuals and families are impacted by velocardiofacial syndrome', Mr Kean said.
'VCFS Awareness Week is an opportunity for all residents to learn more about this syndrome, and find out ways they can assist those who are affected'.
'I encourage residents to visit the VCFS and 22q11 Foundation website (www.vcfsfa.org.au) and learn more about the wonderful work undertaken by this organisation'.
