Zebra Strong for The Ehlers-Danlos Society

26 Stripes | Zebra Strong for EDS

Hi Everyone!

My name is Lauren and I am raising awareness and funds for The Ehlers-Danlos Society. For most of my life I’ve battled with Joint Hypermobility and chronic pain, and if you know me, you know the battle it was to obtain proper treatment and diagnosis. While Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is considered a rare condition, the dawn is finally breaking for EDS recognition in the medical community.

So, for my 26th birthday, I would like to raise $2600 for The EDS Society to continue the crucial research necessary to properly diagnose and treat those living with EDS/HSD.

The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 14 heritable connective tissue disorders. The conditions are caused by genetic changes that affect connective tissue. Symptoms of EDS include Joint Hypermobility, Skin Hyperextensibility, and Tissue Fragility. Joint hypermobility means that a person’s joints have a greater range of motion than usual. Those with EDS/HSD often experience frequent joint dislocations, chronic musculoskeletel pain, headaches, GI dysfunction, and cardiovascular issues.

My hope is for a near-future where a teenage girl presents to her doctor with EDS/HSD symptoms and they are able to recognize, test, diagnose, and begin treatment as early as possible, rather than her endure what I and many other Zebras have.

While 12 of the 14 Ehlers-Danlos Syndomes have genetically identified causes, The EDS Society is CURRENTLY working to identify the genetic cause of hEDS, which is estimated to make up 90% of all EDS cases. This is HUGE and these advances in research are often thanks to donations and fundraisers!

I appreciate every one of you who have supported me, The EDS society, or another Zebra.

This fundraiser holds a special place in my heart for all of the Zebras who haven’t been diagnosed with their stripes yet. This one is for you.