Jonathan Weil tells the story of how his family grew in strength and knowledge after his daughter, Maddie’s, diagnosis with ecodermal dysplasias. They’ve come a long way from feeling helpless.
Clouston Syndrome: Perfectly Different
Addison Kemper spent her life being told she’s perfect, but knowing she was different. She had little hair and problems with her nails. Kids bullied her. Life was hard at times. She knew she must have a condition of some kind but found no answers. Her baby’s arrival led her to a diagnosis for both: Clouston syndrome. Those two words opened the door a new world.
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.
My Son Has Only Six Teeth
Sheltered as a child because of ectodermal dysplasia, Beth Orchard is raising her kids differently. This advocate is giving her children the same opportunities as kids who can sweat and eat normally. She’s taking bold steps to make a difference and wants you to join her.
Giraffes to Genes: Alexander’s Story
Alex’s story started out just like any other story. The perfect little baby who fed well, was always normal on the growth charts and in general was a happy baby! We were also happy that he had the perfect little shaped head to be bald. You see, we did not know at the time that his extended baldness had anything to do with a rare genetic disorder, so we always joked it was a good thing his little baby head was shaped so perfectly.
Prenatal Treatment Restores Sweating in XLHED
Dr. Schneider and his team of investigators have published their groundbreaking research results in a “Prenatal Correction of X-Linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia.” We are thrilled to share with you key highlights from their research, what it means for our families affected by XLHED, and the next steps.
NFED Was A Bridge Between My Two Worlds
I was born with x-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) because of a random mutation. The NFED was a bridge between the two worlds I felt I lived in: one where I could pass as someone who looked unaffected and the one where I knew the issues I faced as a person affected by XLHED. Once I got married and started talking about wanting children was when I began volunteering with the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED). I will not give up volunteering with the NFED until we find coverage for my son, Liam’s, teeth and the many others affected by missing teeth.
Ectodermal Dysplasia Treatment Videos Now Available
The one thing all our families want is information about ectodermal dysplasia treatment. You want to know what to expect for you or your child. You are seeking treatment options. You are looking for answers. That’s where the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias comes in. We now have six free videos of educational workshops from our 2017 Family Conference available to watch. You can hear from our experts, see their presentations and learn.