By Lea Richardson, Community Engagement Manager The NFED recently joined Pinterest and I have been amazed at the number of inspirational quotes for and about volunteers. Some are so great in fact, that I thought I’d share some with you. Some quotes are words of wisdom while others can be attributed to the wise people…
Animals for Ava: Paying it forward!
By Angela and Dante Puorro Our daughter was diagnosed with hypohydrotic ectodermal dysplasia at the age of 19 months. She was born without teeth, sparse hair and underdeveloped sweat glands. I still remember the day vividly. It was six years ago, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon on the Friday before Labor Day. Ava’s pediatric dentist introduced us…
Celebrating 15 Years of Halloween Bash Success
When Ryan was a year-and-a-half old, and was medically stable, Ruth and Keith Geismar started planning the very first fundraising event to benefit the NFED. Ruth wanted to give back to this organization that had embraced her family and Ryan. Now, we are close to wrapping up the NFED’s 15th annual Halloween Bash. We would…
When Life throws you a Lemon, make Lemonade!
By Henry and Catherine Bourgin Twelve-year old Henry is affected by XLHED, as is his mom, Catherine. They live in McLean, VA. Henry would like to share his thoughts on having a lemonade stand with baked goods during summer break: “When I’m at the lemonade stand, we like to talk to each other and when other people come we’ll have conversations….
Pay it forward! Share the Light!
By Dee Dee Olsen I have led a most beautiful life. I have been graced by God with loving parents, devoted sisters, brothers-in-law, six incredible nieces and nephews, treasured friends and a husband who embodies strength, hard work and consideration. We brought three little people into this world. They breathed new dimensions of love and…
The Moment My Son Taught Me About Strength
By Seth Ferris I live in Brooklyn, New York. And during any given week, any given day, I come in contact with millions of people, some of whom are not too shy about telling a complete stranger what they think of them. You bump into somebody and get a “Hey! Watch it!” or worse. You…
The Choice is Obvious! Because I Can!
By Kristin Matus Kelso “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” ― John Wesley I’m often asked why…
Sweat It Out: The Duke Family’s Journey
By Jamie Duke I learned about hypohydriotic ectodermal dysplasia over two years ago when my son, Nicholas, was diagnosed with XLHED. I knew he couldn’t sweat, but I didn’t truly know and understand until he asked me why my skin was wet after I came back from a run. That hit me hard. I looked…