Advocacy continues to be a major emphasis for us in 2017. While we continue to plan for our Ectodermal Dysplasias Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in July, we also recently participated in some other advocacy days. We are grateful to Becky Abbott, Amy Leverenz and Marc Steingesser for representing the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias…
No Longer Feel Isolated With AEC Syndrome
Learn about the Brown family’s journey when their daughter, Erin, was diagnosed with Ankyloblepharon-Ectodermal Defects-Clefting (AEC) syndrome. They also talk about how their NFED family has been a tremendous help over the last 5 years.
Advocacy Strategy Shifts to Federal Level
Again, over the past month, we have received numerous calls from individuals who are desperately trying to get insurance coverage for their or their child’s dental treatment. It is exhausting!
The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
After nearly two years of unexplained fevers, chronic respiratory illness and feeding issues, Mom, Lindsay James, was tired. Thankfully, her google search led her to the NFED which became a beacon and filled their lives with light.
Make time to visit with your NFED family
By Meredith Grimes Our first National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) Family Conference was a life-changing week. We were new to the diagnosis and feeling completely overwhelmed. We had a list of questions a mile long. What is hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), what does it mean to be a carrier, what do we need to…
Evan’s Story – Part III
By Karen Forman (Note: The following story is part three in a series written by Karen Forman, the mom to an adult son, Evan, who is affected by hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Read part one and two. ) My toddler, Evan, loved his new teeth and was happy to show anyone who wanted to look. I noticed…
Families Use Facebook to Raise Needed Funds
This year, we asked our families to help us raise money during Ectodermal Dysplasias Awareness Month. All they had to do was set up a Facebook fundraiser, which took just a few minutes. Nine families answered our call and generated about $8,000 for the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias! Thank you to the Andrews, Claire,…
Finding Power in Telling Your Classmates About Ectodermal Dysplasias
It’s been a tough year in 5th grade for 10-year-old Josh. He’s been struggling internally about who he is and the condition he has, according to his mom, Chelsea Horan. Josh is affected by hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder. “Josh has been struggling a bit this year with talking to his peers who…