Liza "This year marked a change in my life since I was diagnosed with EDS a dozen years ago. This is the year that I joined the EDNF and discovered the message boards and the people residing there. I discovered that I wasn't the only one that had this strange disorder that doctors said was "all in my head." I discovered other people who hurt for no reason, couldn't do the ordinary tasks they used to do easily, had children that were suffering and had nowhere to turn for answers. I discovered that many of our symptoms that we each thought were other illnesses were actually part of our collective EDS experiences. I discovered ways to cope with the pain, exercise, eat right and get my own doctors to listen to me. But most of all, I discovered a warm, funny, compassionate group of people who made me feel welcome and were there for the bad days as well as the good. And finally, I have discovered that I've gotten past the "help ME" mindset and can turn to the next new member and ask them "How can I help you?". So don't be shy....join the rest of us "stretchy" folks on that journey of understanding, coping and looking for answers to the complex syndrome we live with. There is strength in numbers and we need each one of you to make a difference...if not today, then for the next generation." Join EDNF

Pam"Since I signed up as a member of the EDNF, I have gotten on the site once a day, usually more than once. I am reading everything I can read. I am soaking it up like a sponge. It is so fascinating to finally have some answers to things that have been occurring all of my life that I didn't know were "a big deal. Thank you so much for this resource. It has been designed really well. Very user friendly, and very informational. Kudos to the staff who designed this website." Join EDNF

Lesley "I'm so glad I became a member, my only regret is that I wish I had done it sooner. I recently had a baby and now am having problems from medication I took during the pregnancy itself. If I had joined sooner I could have gone to the pregnancy message boards or searched for osteoporosis and learned that EDS can cause the problems I'm having and therefore could have prevented them or at least have less severe problems than I do now. Don't make the same mistake as me and keep putting it off, sign up now. The best knowledge comes from those who have been through it. Thank you so much for this wonderful website." Join EDNF

Noah "I am writing to express my gratitude for the message boards on your website. Or, I should say “our” website – that is precisely the point. I am actively participating in the dissemination of information and support that the boards are making possible. With EDS, I have often felt misunderstood and helpless. The community I have tapped into through the EDNF message boards has helped me to feel understood and empowered. It’s wonderful to be able to share things that I have successfully used to deal with my own struggles, be they dietary changes or emotional coping techniques. By the same token, a number of my own unanswered questions have been insightfully addressed by other message board users. Even if this crucial exchange of information weren’t taking place, I would still make my daily visits to the message boards, as the support and acceptance I find there are moving and uplifting. To think that a few years ago I’d never met another person with EDS! Now, thanks in no small part to the EDNF message boards, I feel as though I’m part of a real community, and that gives me a great deal of strength as I deal with life’s obstacles. THANK YOU." Join EDNF