When a child's health problems are puzzling......

A missing piece of
genetic material on
chromosome 22 (deletion 22q11)
may be the clue.

World Rare Diseases Day 28th February 2010

The SMILE Foundation was launched in July 2007 to help families whose children suffer from rare diseases. Through its Family Relief Program, SMILE is able to give grants to families all over Australia who are doing it tough. So far, SMILE has given over 95 grants in just over twelve months. Paradoxically, rare diseases are common. There are approximately 8000 known rare diseases, collectively affecting up to 10% of the population or over 2 million Australians including 400,000 Australian children. Rare diseases have the following common features:

·          Most begin in childhood and continue throughout life

·          Obtaining a definitive diagnosis is often difficult and delayed

·          Many rare diseases have no cure but some can be prevented

·          Neurological and intellectual disabilities occur in about half of all cases regardless of disease type and lead to loss of independence and opportunities

·          Families experience isolation, psychological and financial stress

 
for more information visit www.smilefoundation.com.au