Ruth Cooper Research Fund

What is Ehlers-Danlos?

Individuals with Ehlers-Danlose Syndrome (EDS) have a defect in their connective tissue, the tissue that provides support to many body parts such as the skin, muscles and ligaments. The fragile skin and unstable joints found in EDS are the result of faulty collagen. Collagen is a protein, which acts as a "glue" in the body, adding strength and elasticity to connective tissue.

Vascular EDS, the type that Ruth had, is considered the most serious, as it affects the tissues of the arteries and blood vessels. As one doctor described, because of the constant degeneration of the tissues, doing surgery on an EDS Vascular patient's arteries, aorta, and blood vessels is like "sewing a brick to Saran Wrap."

Click here to learn more about EDS.

Ruth Cooper Research Fund

Ruth Cooper and Daughters

Saturday, January 15, 2011

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