the sturge-weber foundation's (the swf) international mission is to improve the quality of life and care for people with sturge–weber syndrome and associated port wine birthmark conditions. it supports affected individuals and their families with education, advocacy, and research to promote effective management and awareness. the swf was founded by kirk and karen ball, who began searching for answers after their daughter was diagnosed with sturge–weber syndrome at birth. the swf was incorporated in the us in 1987 as an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. in 1992, the mission was expanded to include individuals with capillary vascular birthmarks, klippel trenaunay (kt) and port wine birthmarks.