Supporting familes and raising awareness: 22q11 Deletion Syndrome

David is the chair of the 22q11 Deletion Syndrome APPG in Westminster.

22q11DS or DiGeorge as it is more commonly known, is a condition present from birth that can cause a range of lifelong problems, including heart defects and learning difficulties. The severity of the condition varies. Some children can be severely ill and very occasionally may die from it, but many others may grow up without realising they have it. DiGeorge syndrome is caused by a problem with a person's genes called 22q11 deletion. It isn't usually passed on to a child by their parents, but is in a few cases. More information on DiGeorge syndrome can be found online here and at the Max Appeal

 

David has been trying to help raise awareness of this condition. 22q11 is the second most common chromosomal disorder after Down's syndrome and has been historically misdiagnosed, which can lead to additional health problems.

 

News

Campaign Success for 22q!

Following on from my request last week of the Prime Minister to support calls for 22q11 Syndrome to be added to the newborn blood spot test, I met yesterday with Baroness Blackwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, to discuss the condition.

David presses for more awareness for 22q

? WATCH: Today I asked the Health Minister if following on from last weeks 22q awareness day if she would meet with me to discuss raising awareness, especially among GPs.

David Duguid speaks to 22q Intoxicated Brew

I would like to thank the ladies and gentlemen who joined Gemma Martin today at the Garret in Mintlaw for letting me interrupt their intoxicated brew and speak to them. Wonderful to see so many people out spreading awareness for 22q and raising so much money.