Gok’s charity of the month – March: Klinefelter’s Syndrome Association (KSA)
Hello my lovelies,
Where do i start with KSA? This is such an important charity for so many reasons. I had never even heard of Klinefelter’s Syndrome before I worked on my show Gok’s Teens; The Naked Truth where I met the incredible Jake, and we were all so lucky to hear his story! Jake’s condition has caused him to be very tall from a young age and I wanted to show him that he is just a normal teenager and that he can use his differences to his advantage! I really think he has turned a corner now and he is the most wonderful guy! But he is not alone, with Klinefelter’s Syndrome affecting 1 in every 650 male births, more kids, teens and adults out there need support and advice too! This is exactly what the Klinefelter’s Syndrome Association does, so please read on and try and support them in any way you can.
Loads of love,
Auntie Gok
xxx
The Klinefelter’s Syndrome Association (KSA) is a small national charity with big aspirations and international influence. It offers support and information to all affected by, or having an interest in, Klinefelter’s Syndrome (KS). The charity is run entirely by volunteers.
Klinefelter’s Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. Symptoms are variable but poor language development, increased height and weight, poor social skills and low self-esteem are common.
The KSA is working to raise the profile of the condition generally but within the medical profession in particular. Early diagnosis and a good understanding of the implications of the condition can make life much easier for both the person with the condition and those with whom they have close contact. Some GPs, however, have only a limited knowledge of the symptoms and implications of the syndrome and of the various treatment options available. Representatives of the KSA attend medical conferences to meet doctors and specialists in person in order to raise awareness.
Often those affected by KS have never met anyone else with the condition and feel very isolated. We provide the opportunity for members to meet at our annual conference, informal gatherings across the country and during our Activity Weekend which is held annually in April. In addition, we host an internet chat forum, XXYTalk.com, which attracts members from around the world.
The KSA has a great wealth of knowledge provided not only by the many medical experts who advise us, but also by our members, especially the older ones who are acknowledged experts on the condition. The information which the KSA provides via its publications, websites and helpline, will be of benefit to any professionals, individuals or families affected by, or interested in, the condition.
As many of our members are unwilling to be identified with KS it is difficult for us to raise the profile of KS or to fundraise. We would like to thank Jake very much for supporting us by nominating the KSA as Gok’s Charity of the Month.
If you want to know more about Klinefelter’s Syndrome, or if you would like to support us in our work, please visit our main website: www.ksa-uk.net where you can read our literature, join the Association or make a donation.
Support our sponsorship events http://www.justgiving.com/klinefelters
Like us on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Klinefelters-Syndrome-Association/157794747621710
Or call us on our Help line: 0845 230 0047