Aidan Abbott tells us about his journey as an advocate for himself and the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act.
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.
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.
Our Volunteers Are Worth Their Weight In Gold!
For National Volunteer Month, the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias celebrates its volunteers for their 5,000 hours of service. It is mind boggling the tasks they accomplished to help the NFED and those affected by ectodermal dysplasias. Watch our tribute video and learn how you can volunteer to be a Social Media Ambassador, Advocacy State Lead or fundraiser.
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.
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.
Families Raise Awareness Around the World
Our community worldwide united online in February for Ectodermal Dysplasias Awareness Month! Our goal this year was to raise awareness about the symptoms, its impact on teeth and need for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act to get coverage for treatment. And you helped us do that!