Nicholle was searching for someone who understood what it’s like to always smile with your lips closed so people don’t see your missing teeth. Who know how frustrating it is to visit dentist after dentist trying to find someone who actually wants to treat you. Were there adults out there who know the pressure of trying to find more than $30,000 just so you can have teeth to bite into chicken with? Read her story to learn about her search and how she’s relieved to no longer feel so alone.
Remembering Mary K. Richter With Great Love
Our hearts are heavy. The matriarch of our National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) family, Mary K. Richter recently died. We know this has come as a shock for our community. Amidst our profound sadness, join us as we remember this incredible woman.
Committed Advocates Inspire Action in the Senate
With about six weeks left in the 117th session of Congress, the mood on Capitol Hill feels hopeful and positive for getting the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) passed! Team ELSA participated in our third virtual Advocacy Day this year. Find out where things stand on the bill and how you can help.
What I Want for My Grandchildren With Ectodermal Dysplasias
Sandi Hirst is a grandma who is passionately advocating for the three generations in her family who are affected by x-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. She doesn’t want her daughters to have to pay six figures for her grandsons’ dental care. Read this month’s Volunteer Spotlight to find out what she’s doing to help advance the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act and why.
How Powerful Storytelling Could Make ELSA a Law
We have the most amazing Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) advocates! Our contacts on Capitol Hill tell us that the reason the bill has garnered incredible support in a short amount of time is because of our grassroots efforts. It’s because families affected by congenital anomalies bravely share their personal stories with Congress. That’s exactly what happened again on Tuesday, June 21 when 314 advocates met with 49 U.S. Senate offices for the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) Virtual Advocacy Day with the Senate.
Advocacy is Something We Are Meant to Do Together
Morgan Rigsby is the kind of mom who wants to model the behavior she wants her kids to have. That’s why she’s become a passionate advocate for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act. In our Volunteer Spotlight, Morgan talks about what volunteering has taught her, how she celebrates the small victories with her son, and why you need to be open to sharing your story.
U.S. House of Representatives Votes YES on the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
April 4th was an extraordinary day for families affected by ectodermal dysplasias and congenital anomalies!
You could almost hear the cries of victory and feel the joy of our advocates, families and staff who watched the live stream of the House of Representatives where they announced that ELSA had passed. Read about the exciting vote and what’s next for the bill in the U.S. Senate.
Brave ELSA Advocates Pour Out Their Hearts to Legislators
Three hundred brave advocates from 46 states shared their heartbreaking stories with U.S. legislators at this year’s Virtual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. They talked about the numerous surgeries and ongoing treatments they or their child has needed and how insurance companies won’t pay for it. With the House voting on April 4 for ELSA, find out what you can do to help.