Cerebral Palsy - A general term for nonprogressive disorders of movement and posture resulting from damage to the brain in the later months of gestation , during birth, in the newborn period, or in early childhood. The degree of disability is highly variable, ranging from slight numbness of hand movement and gait to complete immobility. Crohn's Disease - A chronic inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's disease may cause pain, fever, diarrhea, and loss of weight. Severe acute attacks may require admission to the hospital for blood transfusion, intravenous feeding and treatment with corticosteroid drugs given intravenously.
Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove damaged portions of the intestine.
Cystic Fibrosis - An inherited disease, present from birth, characterized by a tendency to chronic lung infections and an inability to absorb fats and other nutrients from food. With more advanced methods of diagnosis and treatment, over tow thirds of people with cystic fibrosis now survive into adult life, although few of them are in perfect health. Heart Disease - Heart disorders are by far the most common cause of death in developed countries. They also impair the quality of life of millions of people, restricting activity by causing pain, breathlessness, fatigue, fainting spells and anxiety. Blood pressure goes up as a normal response to stress and physical activity.