Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) is a genetic syndrome.
It is the result of a submicroscopic deletion on the long arm of Chromosome 22 in the “q11” region- deletion 22q11.
VCFS affects approx. 1 in 2000 - 3000 persons making it the second most prevalent genetic syndrome after Down syndrome
VCFS is the most common genetic syndrome associated with cleft palates
VCFS is the second most common genetic syndrome associated with congenital heart defects
99% of the VCFS population will have a learning difficulty or disability
30% of the VCFS population will develop a mental illness
VCFS has more than 180 annomolies associated with it
The name velo cardio facial syndrome comes from the Latin words "velum" meaning palate, "cardio" meaning heart and "facies" having to do with the face.
Being a parent of a child that has special needs or is challenged is daunting. Sometimes we find ourselves faced with the reality that our life is not what we expected. Words and labels are placed on our kids, we are judged and we feel lost sometimes. Be positive and accept this as a challenge to ourselves, be your child's advocate.
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