Our office volunteers show up on short notice to fold letters from appeals to special events, to stuff and address thousands of envelopes we mail each year. They relentlessly give of their time and help wherever needed which makes a great difference for our staff. They help with creating silent auction baskets, copying, filing, folding…
An Anniversary Gift for You
As you know, in 2016 the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) community is celebrating our 35 anniversary! This year, we celebrate 35 years of NFED success. Over the years we have added tremendously to the body of knowledge of ectodermal dysplasias, made great strides in treatment and have had tremendous research successes. Thirty-five years…
A Shot of Courage and Lavender Cooling Mist
By Liz Timmerman Just over a year ago, my youngest daughter, Violet, was diagnosed with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia at the age of one year old. The first year of her life was filled with many challenges and I was seriously starting to doubt my abilities as a mother because my baby was always so unhappy, couldn’t…
Spot the Difference?
Mary Emma Roberts is now 12 inches of hair lighter! Mary Emma is six years old, but she began donating her hair to charities two years ago when she was just four. Already at this age, Mary Emma had eight inches of hair to spare. So, Mom, Kara Roberts, decided the time had come to…
Genetic Counseling Helps Make Sense of Ectodermal Dysplasia
If you or your loved one recently received an ectodermal dysplasia diagnosis, you may have more questions than answers at first. How did this happen? Can our future children have it? Should I have other family members tested? All of your questions are valid ones and normal to have following a diagnosis. The specialist best…
Amelia’s Story With AEC Syndrome
Amelia is a teenager who is affected by ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft lip and/or palate (AEC) syndrome. When she was born, she had toes that were connected and a few other signs that were different. She started turning blue at two hours and lived in the NICU for months. She was suffering from chonal atresia. Maggie, her mom,…
Maximus’ Story with Goltz Syndrome
After a normal pregnancy, Brandi and Corey knew right away that something was wrong when their son, Maximus was born. He had a wound on the top of his head, fused fingers and a missing toe. The nurses were hesitant to wipe off the newborn in fear his skin may slough up. In this interview,…
Suzanne’s Story with EEC Syndrome
Suzanne lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Will, and their children, Caitlin and Tyler. Mom and son are both affected by ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome. This tenacious educator grew up never knowing that her symptoms were actually a part of a genetic disorder. In this interview, Suzanne discusses growing up without a diagnosis, finding her…