Joey - EDS Warrior - Medical Fund

This is Joey. He is 17 years old and he is the bravest person I know. Joey has a rare genetic connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). EDS causes abnormal and defective collagen which is the "glue" that holds our bodies together. Joey has Hypermobility Type EDS, which means that joint dislocations are a regular occurrence in his life. Chronic pain is also something that he deals with every day. EDS also affects every major body system. Joey had jaw surgery after it dislocated over 30 times. He has broken both ankles multiple times in the past three years, and has constant pain and instability in his ribs, knees, hips and spine, leading to many dislocations and to use of a power wheelchair.

Joey is currently scheduled for surgery to remove a disc in his thoracic region and to decompress his spine. He also has a surgery scheduled to release connective tissue that is pulling his spinal cord down so hard that it is causing many neurological problems as well as terrible pain.(tethered cord syndrome) If all goes well,the surgery will be repeated on his cervical spine in 2016. His spinal cord issues and his height now require him to have a much larger power chair. This new chair will not fit in the van we have pulled the seats out of and we have to purchase a wheelchair van. He is already home and bed bound because of his pain issues and, without a wheelchair van, he will not be able to leave the house.

The incredible financial demands have led the family to declare bankruptcy as they have exhausted their credit and used all of their savings. With so many surgeries and ongoing medical issues in the future, the financial challenges will be unrelenting.

Any help that our friends and loved ones can donate to purchase a wheelchair van and pay for the mounting medical bills would be deeply appreciated.