The Sturge Weber Foundation

Part of the SWF's goal is to educate and inspire; educate the general public and medical professionals about these conditions and inspire individuals to do the same. To reach this end, The SWF has created programs, manuals and support materials all with the aim of spreading the word, so that one day these conditions will be better understood.  Read below inspiring stories those  helping the SWF meet their mission.  More inspiring stories can be found under volunteer happenings too. 

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Fall 2011 Volunteer Spotlight

A Stellar Team

Jason Roffers, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was born with Sturge-Weber syndrome in 1980, a time when the medical journals had only one paragraph about SWS. He graduated from Southwest High School, and continued on to earn a horticulture certificate degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. He utilizes his education experiences in caring for the landscape of his rural home in Abrams, Wisconsin. In addition to lawn care and gardening, Jason is the caregiver to his cat, 3 dogs, and 2 horses.

In order to help him through tough times and the struggles of SWS, Jason wrote a book entitled, “Dealing with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, A Reason Not to Give Up”.  In addition to the book helping Jason cope with his personal despair, the book has raised awareness  and been a source of inspiration to hundreds.

He is an accomplished business owner, the sole proprietor of a company he started called JR’s EnviroCycle. In 4 years, Jason has increased his clientele from 1 (his family) to 100 families and businesses. Jason continues his journey by raising awareness through his business endeavors and donates 25% of his business profits to the Sturge-Weber Foundation.

In June, the Roffers attended the Wisconsin Family Day, where Jason was finally able to meet Justin Johnson, another member and fellow re-cycling business owner.

At the July International Conference in Orlando, Jason was a facilitator, telling his story and introducing the speakers at the general session. He also assisted Dr. Jan Urbanski at the session for young people on Bully Prevention and Intervention. 

When Jason is not being an advocate for SWS, he enjoys fishing with his dad, clay pigeon shooting with his brother, and going to the stock car races with his uncle.

Wendy Roffers, Jason’s mom, and her husband, Mark joined the SWF in 1990 and have been steady supporters ever since.  Wendy worked on the first Day of Awareness, then on Week of Awareness activities and in 2005 she published, promoted and distributed Jason’s book through church, community and the SWF.  She has always been the guiding hand behind Jason’s accomplishments.  

Additional Spotlights

Spring 2011 Volunteer Spotlight

Winter 2010 Volunteer Spotlight 

Spring 2010 Volunteer Spotlight

Fall 2009 Volunteer Spotlight