WALK FOR WILLIAMS

A major fundraising/publicity walk is currently being organised in aid of the Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland. The "Walk for Williams" will take place from Belfast to Dublin from Wed, 10th April to Sat, 13th April 2013. The walk will start from City Hall, Belfast at 9am on 10th and finish at the Mansion House, Dublin at 3pm on 13th April.         

We would be very grateful for any support for this fundraising effort. If you wish to take part please click here for an application form. If you wish to sponsor one of the other fundraisers, please use the DONATE NOW button to the left of the screen and select the fundraiser you wish to sponsor. 

Williams Syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in approximately 1:20,000 births. It is caused by a deletion of some genetic material on chromosome number 7. Click here for more information.

      Karen's Story 

The Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland (WSAI) was set up in the late 1980's as a support group for families of WS individuals in Ireland. The WSAI provides support to members through annual conferences, social gatherings and the issue of regular newsletters. It also works to make the medical, teaching and other professional groups more aware of the Williams Syndrome condition. This helps to ensure that children with WS are diagnosed at an early age and that they receive the early intervention that is so vital to them.  Click here for more information on WSAI. 

The WSAI receives little or no state funding and is wholly dependent on membership fees and voluntary donations to fund it's work. Your support would be greatly appreciated. The WSAI has recently registered with Sponsor.ie in order to facilitate your donation. You can now make a donation to the Williams Syndrome Association by clicking here. 

NOTE: The WSAI is an "Approved Body under Section 848A Taxes Consolidation Act 1997". This means that the WSAI can obtain a tax refund from the Irish Revenue for any donations of €250 or greater received from an individual or a corporate donor. Donations are also tax deductible to Companies/Corporations. 

See our Fundraising page for ideas on how you can assist the WSAI.

"Angels at our Table"- a unique book of Williams Syndrome Stories written by WS families. Second edition now available!

"The Williams Family Album" - 4 Track CD of original music and lyrics composed by WS individuals.

Click here for details of both the book and CD.

The European Federation of Williams Syndrome Associations (FEWS) was formed in July 1999 at a meeting in London. The four founding member associations were Italy, Hungary, Ireland and UK. This organisation, which now has 8 member associations, has many worthwhile aims and aspirations. For further details click here.  

Some researchers are intrigued by the musical abilities of some WS individuals. This musical ability does not occur in all WS people but it is very striking in those that do possess it. 

Newspaper articles have been written (Music Lights a Fire), television documentaries have been made and research projects have been carried out to learn more about this unusual ability. 

There is also an annual Music Camp run by the WS Association in the USA each summer. For details see the WS USA website.

The Williams Syndrome Foundation in the USA have set up a post secondary academy to take advantage of the musical ability in WS people. Details of the Berkshire Hills Music Academy can be found on their website. 

The Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland now runs a Music/Activity Camp each year in July or August in order to develop the musical potential of our WS people.

Ann Breen and her daughter, Karen, 

at the USA Music Camp in 1998 

(Photo by Jamie Francis, St Petersburg Times)

Berkshire Hills Music Academy, USA