What is 22q?
"The most common 'rare' syndrome you've never heard
of."
- Michelle Breedlove Sells
22q11.2 Deletion syndrome or 22q
(also referred to as Velocardiofacialsyndrome (VCFS), and/or
DiGeorge syndrome)
is a disorder caused by a small missing piece of the 22nd chromosome.
This tiny missing portion of chromosome 22 can affect every system in
the human body. 22q can be the cause of nearly 200 mild to serious
health and developmental issues in children. It is often times not
diagnosed or recognized as the cause of a child's health and/or
developmental issues for years. It is believed to be the second most
common genetic disorder behind Down's Syndrome, yet most have never
heard of it! Because each person diagnosed with 22q presents a unique
set of the possible 180+ symptoms, it is difficult for even the best
doctors to recognize. Many times, this scattered collection of issues
impedes the proper diagnosis for years.
Learn more from 22q Family Foundation