Beth Pond has been advocating for ectodermal dysplasias health benefits for 23 years. She shares what you can do in your home state to create change.
Who Will You Meet on Capitol Hill?
Conducting face-to-face meetings with your two U.S. senators, one U.S. representative, and members of their staff is absolutely critical to gain their support for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (S.560, H.R.1379)! So who will you actually meet when you travel to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for NFED Advocacy Day? Find out who you might meet, their role, and tips on what to say.
Building a Relationship with Your Legislators
Advocating can be done by anyone and anywhere. We can do this…together!
Should Kids Attend NFED Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill?
Julie Claeys took her son to advocate in Washington D.C. for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles act. She’s hoping you will join her this year and bring your kids, too.
Hard But Right Decision
Karl Nelsen has spent his lifetime fighting for insurance benefits to get teeth. Now, he’s fighting for legislation to end insurance denials. He’s doing this for himself, his daughter, and for person affected by ectodermal dysplasia for generations to come.
ELSA’s Clock is Ticking
Tick, tick, tick. Find out why it’s critical that we get at least 75 lawmakers to co-sponsor the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act by July. Learn the truth about why every family with ectodermal dysplasia in the United States must take action today.
My Wish
My name is Caleb Locke. I’m 9 years old, and my wish is to have a full set of teeth. I have 4 upper teeth all misshaped, 2 of which are centrally located but not fully erupted. My dental team consists of a maxillofacial surgeon, prosthodontist, and an orthodontist. My x-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia has left…
Family-driven Grassroots Action is the Answer
Jen Steele’s life was forever changed in 2012, when her daughter, Alli, was diagnosed with ectodermal dysplasia. Her family spent the next few years commuting 240 miles round trip to the University of Iowa to meet with geneticists, doctors and dentists. She discovered the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) online and called for help and support. The Iowa mom quickly learned that Alli’s dental needs would exceed their financial abilities. She was not one to ask for help or be complacent and just accept the fact that their medical insurance would not cover Alli’s medical needs. With no political experience, the Steele family joined other NFED families in taking action to advocate for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act.