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Zebra Mamas: Parenting a Child With EDS
The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a collection of heritable connective tissue disorders* that affect many organ systems and often come with several other conditions. It’s a genetic condition, which means many families manage the lives of several zebras simultaneously. Living with complex conditions such as EDS as an adult is challenging at the best of […]
Bend, But Don’t Break the Bank: Financial Resources for EDS Patients
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic disorders that affect the connective tissue in the body. Chronic and rare disorders often lead to medical expenses that can overburden the patients’ wallets, deplete their savings, and sometimes result in debt or bankruptcy. Patients commonly experience financial challenges due to numerous medical expenses, including diagnostic tests, […]
Two Students Share How They Navigate School With EDS
In last month’s article, “4 Tips on How To Navigate School as a Student with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome,” we took a very subjective look at the issue of attending high school while living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. This month, we wanted to hear from two teens navigating the school system with EDS, Amicie Koslow and Lily Hirschson. […]
Kimby Maxson And The Bendy Twisty Zebra: The Story Behind The Book
The story of Rose, a young girl zebra, is the heart of Kimby Maxson’s children’s book The Bendy Twisty Zebra. Rose, her friends, and the book’s encouraging message are all based on Kimby’s real-life experiences navigating the world of doctors, hospitals, and diagnoses for her daughter, Jade. Kimby, a massage therapist and bodywork specialist from […]
Parental Preparation for Securing Accommodations at K-12 School for Children with the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes
Please note: the author is based in the United States, so these are resources available in the US. Check with your school or local government education office or website for processes available in your country. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the law in the United States that ensures every child in public […]
4 Tips on How To Navigate School as a Student with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) as a high school student can be especially challenging. The normal struggle of balancing academics, extracurriculars, and social life, all while trying to figure out who you are as a person, is overwhelming for most teenagers and is made more complicated when having to manage a chronic illness. Many times, […]
Unaccommodating Accommodations
I want to be okay. Some days I am. But some days, it feels like my words slosh about disjointed. My eyelids are heavy shades that won’t stay open. Pain suffuses every joint in my body, and the throbbing in my head makes it impossible to tolerate light or noise. Day-to-day is unpredictable, sometimes moment […]
Book Review: The Bendy Twisty Zebra by Kimby Maxson
Move over, Dr. Seuss! Make room on children’s bookshelves for The Bendy Twisty Zebra written by Kimby Maxson and illustration by Ron Houchens. With colorful characters, catchy rhymes, and a heart-felt message, The Bendy Twisty Zebra brings to mind some of Dr. Seuss’s famous books. While children of all ages (even grown-up children!) can enjoy […]
