My story with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS) began in 2007, after a maxillary artery emergency and a thoracic aneurysm left me with more questions and no answers. For nine years, I sought out several medical consultations, spent countless hours doing my own research, and ultimately found a supportive physician and colleague who referred my daughter and me for genetic…
Parents have asked…we’ve responded! Kids Club, our new virtual group, is for children ages 9-12 with Marfan syndrome, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS), Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and related genetic aortic and vascular conditions. It is designed to increase opportunities for social interaction with others who have a similar diagnosis. The Kids Club will run for approximately 60 minutes and will be…
A few months ago, The VEDS Movement launched the Emergency Preparedness Kit, and The Marfan Foundation also provided information on how my doctor could add a note in my Electronic Medical Record (EMR) in case I had an emergency with VEDS. I was excited to work with my doctor on this! I thought to myself, “finally something everyone will…
The Marfan Foundation has made the 60 English presentations given during its International E3 Summit available on its YouTube Channel. The talks – which were given by internationally renowned experts on Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and VEDS – cover all aspects of these conditions, from the genetics and diagnosis, to vascular and cardiac surgery, to the treatment of other body systems impacted…
The Marfan Foundation announced today a statement from its Professional Advisory Board (PAB) about the use of the COVID-19 vaccine for people with Marfan, VEDS, Loeys-Dietz, and Related Genetic Aortic and Vascular Conditions. The PAB, which consists of the country’s leading experts on these conditions, recommends that all approved groups get vaccinated for COVID-19. The position of the PAB…
My name is Liz Gardner, and I am 30 years old. A year ago, I was working as a social worker at a job I loved, living with friends, and driving. I was previously diagnosed with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) in 2016 due to beads of aneurysms in my legs, but otherwise my life was normal. That all changed when…
The Marfan Foundation this week announced that it is awarding $675,000 to seven physicians/scientists as part of its 2020 Research Grant program. This brings the total amount currently being funded — including the second year of two-year grants awarded last year and other research projects — to $1.4 million. The new grants are one fellowship award, one early investigator…
My name is Dan Sperry. I live in northern New Jersey. I have a beautiful wife named Melissa and an awesome son named DJ. In September of 2019, I brought myself to the hospital with intense pain in the middle of my abdomen, which I assumed was food poisoning. It turned out that I had a saccular Abdominal Aortic…
My brother, Zach, was only 39 years old when he suddenly passed away from a severe, instant aortic dissection. It was fast and nothing could have been done to save him. I do take comfort in that. After his passing, the questions arose; “Why did a seemingly healthy, young guy pass away from something that typically happens to people…
On October 7, as part of VEDS Action Month, several of The VEDS Movement’s Steering Committee members met with the FDA for a Patient Listening Session. Patient listening sessions are small, informal, non-regulatory discussions with the FDA about experiences with diseases and disorders. The VEDS Movement reached out to the FDA to request this listening session on behalf of…
