Sandi Hirst is a grandma who is passionately advocating for the three generations in her family who are affected by x-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. She doesn’t want her daughters to have to pay six figures for her grandsons’ dental care. Read this month’s Volunteer Spotlight to find out what she’s doing to help advance the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act and why.
Dental Student Enjoys Collaborative and Passionate Spirit of NFED Volunteers
This month, we shine the Volunteer Spotlight on Amanda Swanson, a fourth-year dental student. Learn how a long-time NFED volunteer’s meaningful relationship with his dental patients inspired her to get involved with the Foundation and help families affected by ectodermal dysplasias.
Celebrating 40 Years with Our Family
The 2022 NFED Family Conferece was a great success. Every year, the NFED invites the families it serves to convene at the conference to learn and most importantly, to connect. We laughed, we cried, we danced, and we can’t wait to see you next year!
How Powerful Storytelling Could Make ELSA a Law
We have the most amazing Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) advocates! Our contacts on Capitol Hill tell us that the reason the bill has garnered incredible support in a short amount of time is because of our grassroots efforts. It’s because families affected by congenital anomalies bravely share their personal stories with Congress. That’s exactly what happened again on Tuesday, June 21 when 314 advocates met with 49 U.S. Senate offices for the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) Virtual Advocacy Day with the Senate.
Advocacy is Something We Are Meant to Do Together
Morgan Rigsby is the kind of mom who wants to model the behavior she wants her kids to have. That’s why she’s become a passionate advocate for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act. In our Volunteer Spotlight, Morgan talks about what volunteering has taught her, how she celebrates the small victories with her son, and why you need to be open to sharing your story.
AEC Syndrome Doesn’t Stop Us from Giving Back
The Shimchick family has faced many challenges caused by ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip and/or palate (AEC) syndrome. Denyse and her three children are all affected. Together, they have been through 217+ surgeries! Despite their medical needs, the family has made volunteering a key part of their lives. Find out how they strive to help others.
Our NFED volunteers light the way!
Whenever the NFED has a need, our volunteers step forward and help. We want to let you know that your dedication and inspiration is essential to the work that we do—we simply cannot do it without you. THANK YOU!
Esteemed Dentist Dedicated 20+ Years to the NFED
We are saddened to share the news that one of our beloved volunteer dentists has died. Read how Dr. Tom Vergo donated his time and talents to the Foundation for more than two decades.