By Jacob Moss On November 3, 2014, I completed my dental implant process. For the first time in my life I had a “permanent” set of teeth. As a 23-year-old man with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, permanent teeth had always been an abstract concept to me. The process was long and, at times, difficult; but now…
Déjà Vu All Over Again
By Mary K. Richter NFED Founder and Executive Director 1981-2010 While we often hope for or look for change or something better, time suggests that much in life doesn’t really change all that much. Take for instance the mom who works hard to teach her children to put away their toys and possessions. Chances are…
Be Happy That You Are You
You are who you are for a reason. You’re part of an intricate plan. Be happy that you are you. We certainly are! I remember as I was growing up thinking, “Gee, I wish I was more athletic, prettier or smarter.” Even now, I wish I was shorter so I could wear those sexy, stiletto…
My Story
By Kaitlyn Squibb I was born in the spring of 1997, and before I was a year old, I was diagnosed with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. When I was just nine months old, I would get really high fevers from teething and ear infections and my parents couldn’t get the fevers to come down. My parents…
Keegan’s Dental Adventure – Part 3
(This story is part three of a three-part story. Read part one and part two.) By Lindsey James People are often surprised to learn that Keegan wears an upper denture, and I’m fairly certain no one has ever noticed that he has no lower teeth. He is able to speak clearly and doesn’t have much…
All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth
At Christmastime, I am reminded of many happy childhood traditions and memories. Some of my favorite memories involve snuggling up to watch Miracle on 34th Street, or leaping around the family room in a tutu along with The Nutcracker. (I will gleefully reenact this now, except without the tutu.) When I was growing up, we had…
I Have AEC, and I Can Run
After running the Hot Chocolate 5K in 2013, and thoroughly enjoying myself, I set a goal for myself to run at least three 5K’s and a 15K before the end of 2014. It had been years since I last ran competitively, but I’ve learned a thing or two about smashing limits in my lifetime. As…
Keegan’s Denture Adventure – Part 2
(This story is part two of a three-part story. Read part one.) By Lindsey James I have always enjoyed going to the dentist. As a child, my great-aunt worked as an assistant to my dentist. Visits to Dr. Gary meant seeing Aunt Linda… and getting to pick a prize from the beloved treasure chest. I…