10* More Rare Ectodermal Dysplasias

All of the 180+ different types of ectodermal dysplasias are considered “rare” because they affect less than 200,000 people in the United States. But some of the syndromes are much more rare than others. Here is a sampling of 10 that fall into that latter category. Book’s Syndrome – 1 person Signs and symptoms include failure of premolars…

Celebrate Family Health History Day!

In 2004, the U.S. Surgeon General declared Thanksgiving Family Health History Day.  Family history is important for everyone: it is one of the strongest factors influencing risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Understanding the risks can enable you to take specific steps to reduce your chances of developing these conditions. For families with rare…

What do your Family Conference fees actually pay for?

Basically, all your fees pay for is your food. We solicit sponsors, grants and use general donations to fund room rentals, speakers’ (12-15 unbelievable docs and dentists donate their time each year) and staff travel, scholarship recipients, off site activities, AV rental and childcare costs.The NFED absorbs 75% of the cost of the event. The 2012…

Meet the People Who Helped Plan the 2012 Fam Con

2012 Family Conference Committee July 18-21, 2012 Orlando, Florida Our Family Conference Committee offered lots of great ideas for this year’s National Family Conference in Orlando. Because of their input, we have added a track for young adults and a “buddy” program where we will pair up veteran families with new families at the conference….

Four Research Opportunities at the National Family Conference

Families attending the 2012 National Family Conference in Orlando, July 18-21, have the opportunity to volunteer for the four projects listed below. To participate, sign-up on the 2012 national family conference registration form. You will receive your assigned research times when you check-in at registration on Wednesday, July 18th at the conference. Questions? Email Mary…

It Was Time That I Stop Ignoring the Thing That Made Me Most Unique

By Heather McKelvie In 1996, my mother and I went the Family Conference, which was in St. Louis that year.  Looking back, I don’t remember very much about it.  Perhaps because I was a teenager, I was in denial about the fact that my EEC was a life-long condition that I would always have to deal with. …