Syringomyelia (SM) Sear-IN-go-my-EEL-ya: also known as SM, is a Syrinx (also known as a tubular filled cyst) that forms inside of the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, can expand and elongate over time, destroying the center of the spinal cord. 

• There are two major forms of Syringomyelia, acquired and congenital.
• Symptoms develop slowly over time and may occur on one or both sides of the body.  
• Syringomyelia may also be caused by spinal cord injuries, spinal cord tumors, and damage caused by inflammation in around the spinal cord. In some cases, the cause is unknown (idiopathic).

Chiari Malformation (CM) Key-Ar-ee-mal-for-MAY-shun: When the “tonsils” of the brain stem fall below the base of the skull, it cuts off or blocks the flow of Cerebral Spinal Fluid that runs between the brain and the spinal cord. 

• Chiari Malformation has several different causes.
  
• Later in life if spinal fluid is drained excessively from the lumbar or thoracic areas of the spine either due to traumatic injury, disease, or infection. This is called acquired or secondary Chiari malformation. 
  
• By structural defects in the brain and spinal cord that occur during fetal development. This can be the result of genetic mutations or a maternal diet that lacked certain vitamins or nutrients. This is called primary or congenital Chiari malformation.  

Rare Disease: There are over 7000 known rare diseases/disorders. 1 in 12 Canadians will be affected by a rare disease. Rare in the USA, when it affects fewer than 200,000 Americans at any given time. In Europe when a disease affects fewer than 1 in 2000 person, the disease is defined as rare. 

Chronic Disease: A chronic disease is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Chronic diseases generally cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they just disappear. 

• Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis, mental illness, and cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases are major contributors to reduced quality of life, loss of productivity, and increased hospitalization and health care costs as well as premature death in Canada.
• Out of every 5 Canadians aged 20 years or older, 3 have a chronic disease and 4 are at risk of developing a chronic condition.

Carion Fenn Foundation is a registered charity established to promote health by providing support services and resources for chronic disease management, while educating the public and those suffering with Syringomyelia and Chiari malformation about rare diseases. 

Snap Ajax - October 2014 Edition: Syringomyelia & Chiari Network Flag Raising Event.

Snap Clarington December 2013: Syringomyelia & Chiari Malformation.

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