My name is Karen, and I’m a scientist and researcher originally from Mollendo, a small coastal town in southern Peru — now based in the U.S. I’m raising urgent funds to help my childhood friend and her three young daughters, all of whom have been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) — a rare and painful genetic disorder that affects connective tissue, causing extreme joint pain, fragile skin, and even organ complications.

We grew up together in Mollendo, but she now lives in Arequipa, where — like most of Peru — there are still no specialists or adequate resources for complex conditions like EDS. This mother — a resilient, loving woman — is doing everything she can, but without support, they cannot access even basic care.

Your donation will help cover:

Genetic testing and diagnostics

Medical consultations and travel to Lima (the capital)

Orthopedic support and pain management

Nutritional therapy and mobility aids for the girls

As someone working in the biomedical field and studying diseases like these, I know how critical early intervention is. I’m doing everything I can, but I need your help to give this family a fighting chance.

Even a small donation can make a huge impact. Please share if you can’t give. From the bottom of my heart — thank you.

— Karen Paco