Recently, we had a family ask if we had any information about how ectodermal dysplasia affects the voice. The National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) did support a research project in the late 1990s that Kelly Mabry, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Southern Connecticut State University did. While the study is older, the information is still…
You’ll Never Be Alone Again
By Maureen Having ectodermal dysplasia can be hard. Especially growing up. I had never met another person with ectodermal dysplasias until I went to my first National Foundation of Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) Family Conference in 2014 at the age of 46. I had always felt alone. I don’t know which type of ectodermal dysplasia I…
Four New Board Members Added
We welcome four new members to the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) Board of Directors: Karl Nelsen, Keith Throm, Marianne Vermeer and Dr. Tim Wright. Volunteering for a Board takes a huge time commitment. Their input is valuable as they steer the NFED and keep us moving forward. Karl Nelsen has been a member of…
10 Tips for Family Conference First-Timers
Are you heading to Falls Church, Virginia, this summer to attend the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias Family Conference? Our veteran attendees have some great tips for you. Some of the best knowledge you gain is from the interaction with other families. Ask,ask,ask…anything! Write down all your questions so you don’t forget. Everyone is there…
My Smile – Always Has Been, Always Will Be!
Background Born to a mother with ectodermal dysplasia, I grew up knowing how my condition affected my teeth, and that someday I might need dental implants. I had eight natural teeth, four incisors and four molars – two of each on top and bottom – and wore an upper and lower removable denture starting in…
Missing Teeth, Missing Benefits
It’s common for someone to be missing a tooth or even two teeth. Some studies report about 20% of all adults are congenitally missing at least one tooth. More than 5% of us lack one or more second premolars or upper second (lateral) incisors. Though, numerous missing teeth, is less common. Leads to Diagnosis When…
Evan’s Story – Part II
(Editor’s Note: The following story is part two in a series written by Karen Forman, the mom to an adult son affected by hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Read part one.) By Karen Forman “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in…
Life with Ectodermal Dysplasia
By Julie Kennedy Thirty years ago, my family began the journey called, “life with ectodermal dysplasia.” We didn’t know it at the time, but my husband had tooth and nail syndrome. Many in his family had it, but it was just shrugged off as weird shaped and missing teeth, a “Kennedy Thing.” It was not discussed…