The Sturge-Weber Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with an ever-increasing worldwide membership and is funded by corporate and private donations, grants, and fundraising activities. The SWF was founded by Kirk and Karen Ball. They began searching for answers after their daughter, Kaelin, was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome at birth. The SWF was incorporated in the USA in 1987 as an International 501(c)(3) non-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.