e-5131 (Holidays and observances)

Petition to the House of Commons

• Cavernous Malformation is a rare disease identified by the National Organization for Rare Disorders, affecting approximately 1 in 500 people;
• A cavernous malformation is an abnormal non cancerous cluster of blood vessels with thin permeable walls most often found in the brain and spinal cord;
• In approximately 20% of those affected, cavernous malformation is genetic; typically characterized by multiple cavernous malformations with a propensity for more to form;
• Cavernous malformation symptoms vary and may include seizures, headaches, focal neurological deficits and hemorrhagic stroke;
• Cavernous malformation may occur at any life stage;
• There is no cure for cavernous malformation. The only curative treatment for cavernous malformation is surgery;
• Canada recognizes that children and adults affected by a rare disease have impacts that are different from the treatment of other diseases or disorders;
• Canadian families affected by cavernous malformation have unequal access to services and expertise across the country;
• Providing public education and awareness about cavernous malformation across Canada is of crucial importance to the health of Canadians including timely diagnosis, access to treatment and symptom management as well as supportive measures; and
• Every year the United States, United Kingdom and other countries worldwide recognize June as International Cavernous Malformation Awareness Month.