October 6, 2009
MLA Lee Raises Awareness of Sturge-Weber Syndrome in Legislature

VICTORIA - Richard T. Lee, MLA for Burnaby North, rose in the Legislature yesterday to raise awareness of Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

“Earlier this year, I had the pleasure to meet a constituent of mine named Deirdre Forbes McCracken,” said Lee. “From Deirdre, I learned of a rare congenital disease called Sturge-Weber Syndrome that affects her son, Connor. Mr. Speaker, next week is Sturge-Weber Awareness Week, and I would like to share some of what I have learned.

“At birth, Sturge-Weber is usually associated with a port wine stain, a reddish-to-violet discolouration of the skin covering the eyelid and forehead. With this condition, a collection of abnormal blood vessels overlying the brain affects brain function.

“Sturge-Weber can be associated with epilepsy, often beginning in the first year of life. Progressive weakness of one side of the body, similar to that caused by a stroke, is common,” said Lee. “Learning disabilities, intellectual impairment, behavioural problems, and in some cases, symptoms similar to attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be present.

“Glaucoma may be present at birth or can appear months or years later. Increased fluid pressure with this condition may damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss.

“The cause of Sturge-Weber Syndrome remains unknown – as does a cure. However, Mr. Speaker, the Sturge-Weber Foundation of Canada is working to change this.

“I encourage all members to visit their website at www.sturge-weber.ca, where we can learn more about this condition. This site also has information about a fundraiser on Saturday, October 17, at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster.

“I hope this event is very successful and that one day a cure will be found,” concluded Lee.

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