Given the current situation with Covid-19, we are changing the annual Meagans Walk event to an online talent show and performance event. We will look for people who want to demonstrate their talent (performance, music, art, baking, etc.) by way of video clips and will then produce a show to be live broadcast over Zoom during the time Meagans walk would have normally occurred. We are looking for Sponsors and speakers as well. Please bookmark this page and check back frequently for updates. A donation link will be provided throughout the event.
Uniting people and giving hope in memory of Meagan Braun for Suicide Awareness & Prevention, EDS Awareness, and Strengthen Connections!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04/04/20
Meagan’s HOPE At Home: Online Talent Show
Ehlers Danlos syndromes Awareness & Suicide Prevention
Madison, WI: On Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 1 PM Strengthening EDS Connections, dba EDS Wisconsin, Inc. and the Braun Family, along with EDS organizations in Louisiana, Ohio, and Illinois, are hosting Meagan’s HOPE At Home: Online Talent Show for Ehlers Danlos syndromes (EDS) Awareness & Suicide Prevention. In previous years, over 300 people from across the country came to their “Walk & Roll” event. The family hopes to double the number of participants this year. The public and media are encouraged to attend.
Ehlers Danlos syndromes are a group of heritable connective tissue disorders that impact individuals of all ages & genders. Frequently misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or various psychosomatic illnesses, EDS affects nearly every body system since connective tissue is what holds the body together like glue. Many of those who have EDS experience daily pain, excessive fatigue, increased bleeding, and they have overly flexible joints which can lead to joint dislocations, as well as many other seemingly unrelated symptoms. Support and resources for medical professionals and patients affected by EDS remains limited. Sadly, EDS frequently goes undiagnosed for many years causing patients and medical professionals unnecessary suffering. Diagnosis is validating and empowering for patients, their loved ones and medical professionals! Early diagnosis enables proper treatment strategies, fewer unnecessary medical visits, and prevents injury.
Born December 12, 1987, Meagan Rae Braun was a kind, caring, loving individual with a most beautiful, gentle soul. She grew up in Medford, WI and then resided in Weston. Meagan was an outstanding mother of two young children who truly enjoyed helping others while continually seeking knowledge, truth, peace and harmony. Even so, behind her beautiful smile, Meagan suffered with multisystemic illnesses including EDS, hyperadrenergic Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (hyperPOTS), allergies, sensitivities, and more. Frustrated with limited treatment options for her health, in addition to battling postpartum depression, Meagan lost all hope resulting in her death from suicide on April 24th, 2017. This annual event is held in honor of Meagan’s gracious spirit.
The mission of the not-for-profit organization Strengthening Connections is to provide support and resources to patients and medical professionals about Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and related conditions via education and research. Together with the Braun Family, this Talent Show is an opportunity to increase awareness, to promote stronger connections for those affected by EDS, and to give hope to individuals who may be contemplating. There will be t-shirts and other items for sale.
Participants can register at this link https://forms.gle/4Km1mvNWZMxsXd9z7
Sponsors can find information at https://forms.gle/NAZr9yqY7dZUny9J9
Check back for the link to sign up to watch the performances broadcast on Saturday May 2, 2020 starting at 1 pm.
To make a donation please visit KnowEDS.org and click on the link to Donate.
Sincerely, The Braun Family
Meagans HOPE Memorial Walk & Roll 2019