Ann Arbor EDNF
Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation

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Ann Arbor EDNF is a local group of the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation. We provide support for individuals and families in and near Michigan with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. We participate in the EDNF national awareness campaign, and we have speakers for educational meetings as well. Our group meets in Ann Arbor, Michigan (west of Detroit / southeast of Lansing / north of Toledo Ohio).

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders, characterized by joint hypermobility, skin extensibility, and tissue fragility. Individuals with EDS have a defect in their connective tissue, the tissue that provides support to many body parts such as the skin, muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, and internal organs. The fragile tissues and unstable joints found in EDS are the result of faulty collagen. Collagen is a protein that acts as a "glue" in the body, adding strength and elasticity to connective tissue. For further information about EDS, you can find many articles and informative websites through our EDS Links page.

Next meeting TBA – if you are interested in participating in our group, please e-mail Katie & Stacy to let us know!

Thanks to everyone for helping Ann Arbor EDNF off to a great start! Our meetings in the past year have included barbeque/potluck dinners, a geneticist presenting about EDS, an attorney speaking on Social Security Disability, and a yard sale to benefit the EDNF. We have enjoyed meeting many people with EDS and their family members, and our gatherings always inspire much thought-provoking conversation. Thanks to all who have joined us and helped make this new group a success! Ann Arbor EDNF has now become an officially chartered EDNF group. Our group officers include Katie as president, Jill as treasurer, and Stacy as secretary.