The Sturge-Weber Foundation (SWF) began with Karen Ball, a determined mother searching for answers after her daughter was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber Syndrome at birth. The SWF was incorporated in the USA in 1987 as an International 501(c)(3) not for profit organization for patients, parents, professionals and others concerned with Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS). In 1992, the mission was expanded to also support and serve individuals with capillary vascular birthmarks, Klippel Trenaunay (KT) and port wine birthmarks.