Our story of parenting our son, Ruben, during his first year is one of instinct and intuition, as we didn’t know until 16 months that Ruben’s collection of features amounted to something called hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED). There’s no known ectodermal dysplasia in our families. We’d been asking all the right questions about our fluffy-haired, dry-skinned, hot-bodied babe, but it wasn’t until I mentioned our son’s toothlessness to his older brother’s dentist, that an answer was offered.
Unreliable Electricity Makes It Hard to Stay Cool in Cuba
Liliett Alarcon’s home in Cuba is filled with the joyful sounds of Caribbean music when her son is playing his drum set. But the Caribbean weather—very hot and very humid—can be tough at times for Manuel since he doesn’t sweat. Learn how Manuel is coping and how his mom. doctors and community support him.
Raising a Strong Daughter with HED
Leah Steenson was worried and scared when her daughter was diagnosed with ectodermal dysplasia but that all changed when she found the NFED. Find out how she’s teaching her happy kindergartener to speak up for herself and explain her condition.
To Know Katherine is To Know Joy
Jodi Watts’ days as a stay-at-home mom with a baby with Goltz syndrome were filled with appointments to attend to Katherine’s many needs. The fiesty little toddler faces many challenges but continues to thrive. Find out what her parents have learned, the life-changing conference they attended, and the dreams they have for Katherine.
Little Girl with Goltz Syndrome is Born A Fighter
Katherine Watts is a two and half year old little girl in Virginia who’s going places. Figuratively and literally. This little lady is in constant motion and is also quite the fighter. Since she was in the womb, she’s had a team of doctors who care for her many complex symptoms caused by Goltz syndrome. Learn about her challenges and what her parents had to learn quickly.
A World Where Families Are Fierce and Strong
Gavin Cochran’s KID syndrome diagnosis leads a Montana family on an amazing journey where the typical milestones of childhood are huge victories. Read how the spirited six-year-old handles deafness, missing teeth, lack of vision and other medical challenges and where his parents found the support they needed.
Underrated Basketball Star with HED Excels on the Court
Jacobi Sebock’s killing it on the basketball court and getting attention from the likes of NBA player, Steph Curry. He excelled in both basketball and track his senior year, not letting his inability to sweat hold him back. Watch this All-State athlete dunk and find out the big dreams he has.
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.