Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

This past June I graduated from John Paul II High School in Plano, Texas and I am now a college freshman at the Creighton University School of Nursing.  About a year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.  It is genetic, which means that I was born with it, but I never knew it until I was 15.  I was a high school basketball player when my problems began and I spent a very long 18 months trying to figure out what was happening to me.  I was having so much pain it was unbearable on many days. 

People with EDS have a defect in the connective tissue that provides support to many body parts like the skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs and eyes.  Basically, my body doesn't make collagen correctly.  Collagen is the "glue," that holds the body together.  As of today researchers have only been able to identify 25% of the genes responsible for EDS.  Unfortunately, until they can identify the gene there is no possibility of finding a cure or a way to reverse the effects of EDS.

Most doctors don't understand EDS at all and I want to change that!!  My goal is to raise awareness and money that will help the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation educate the medical professionals and fund vital research.  I would appreciate your help.

Last year I worked together with my classmates at John Paul II High School on the "Charm Project."  PAL (Peer Assistance & Leadership) and NHS (National Honor Society) hired a Texas artist and jeweler to make sterling silver charms and lapel pins of the high school crest.  The proceeds went to the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation.  I hope that the project continues for many years.  Both of my brothers have EDS and one of them is still at JPII so he will help continue my mission.

Now that I am in college I will use this page to continue to raise money and awareness.   Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising project and awareness campaign.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!  For more information please visit www.ednf.org. 

Nikki

Go Jays!