Missing Genetic Pieces:

Strategies For Living with VCFS

A comprehensive HANDBOOK for Parents, Professionals and Anyone wanting to know about Chromosome 22 Deletion (22q11) and its dynamics.

Finally, a book with some answers for families living with VCFS, Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome!

As the light becomes brighter in the field of genetics, it is said that Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome (Chromosome 22 Deletion) or VCFS, may prove someday to be the MOST COMMON genetic disorder affecting mankind. Researchers today believe that it can affect 1:1800-4000 births.

The purpose of this book is to:

EDUCATE: to teach parents, teachers, medical professionals, counselors and others about this condition.

ADVOCATE: Strengthen the voice of those with VCFS and their families by learning to take a stand on their own behalf, and by giving power and validity to family concerns.

REFORM: Improve the quality of life for those with VCFS and their families, by offering them a comprehensive learning experience free from blame, shame and fear.

Since babies are not born with VCFS engraved on their foreheads, it takes an awareness of the syndrome to recognize the symptoms and to make a correct diagnosis.

VCFS was defined in 1978 by Dr. Robert J. Shprintzen. It is not uncommon for patients to get misdiagnosed. There are at least 187 anomalies associated with Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome.

Credits:

Cover Design and Illustrations by Kas Winters

Foreword by Dr. Robert J. Shprintzen