Lawrence Dillon read John Baker’s ectodermal dysplasia story and discovered they had similar journeys. The champion swimmer and attorney talks about how he, too, has successfully navigated a lifetime of “being different” by facing it head on.
Choose Positivity and Live the Life You Want
When John was born in the 1950s with HED, he spent most of his toddler years indoors, on doctor’s advice. Then his family’s minister said something to his parents that changed his life forever. The retired U.S. Navy Federal Service employee looks back on growing up with HED and the philosophy that spurred his success. He also shares his best tips for dealing with the heat when you can’t sweat.
Find Out How Six Boys With XLHED Are Sweating Normally
Maarten and Linus were the first two boys treated before they were born with an investigational medicine for X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The boys are now 7 years old. The long-term results are incredibly positive! Read how they and the four other boys who were treated are doing.
Being Born Without Adult Teeth: From Resentment to Empowerment
Soren Roe used to hide the fact that he’s missing teeth. Now, he uses it as an opening line when he meets new people. Read how this 24-year-old has faced his fears and realized how ectodermal dysplasia has shaped his life.
What I Would Tell My Middle School Self
For her entire life, dentists told Finlay she would have to wait till adulthood to get treatment for her missing teeth. They didn’t seem to understand how having missing and misshapen teeth was affecting her. Find out what her frustrated parents did to get her treatment and how this experience has impacted the teenager’s outlook.
4-Year-Old Wants to Bite Something With His New Dentures
It took years for a South Carolina family to find a dentist to make dentures for their son. Getting Beau to wear them was their next challenge. Read how strawberry Twizzlers made all the difference.
Longing for a Community of People Who Understand
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.
15 Ways to Help Your Child Get Ready for Dental Visits and Dentures
How do you help your little ones affected by ectodermal dysplasia prepare for all of the dentist visits they need? What can you do to explain and show them what getting dentures is going to be like? Check out our resources and suggestions for how to make your child’s experience at the dentist be a positive one.