GADA CANADA

The Canadian Marfan Association (CMA) is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to preventing disabling symptoms and life-threatening complications of Marfan syndrome and improving the quality of life for people affected by this disorder. Marfan syndrome is a rare inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by abnormalities of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular system), skeleton, and eyes. Affected individuals may be unusually tall and thin, have abnormally large hands and feet, have malformations of the chest and spine, and experience weakness of the joints, ligaments, and tendons. The Canadian Marfan Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of Marfan syndrome in Canada by holding public information meetings, community support group meetings, and media interviews; to providing accurate, timely information about the disorder to affected individuals, families, and physicians; assisting people with Marfan syndrome and their families with quality of life issues and helping them form self-help groups; and to acting as a communication liaison for people with Marfan syndrome with the community. The association also seeks to support and foster research in the area of connective tissue diseases.