FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 04/23/2018
Angela Braun
(715) 370-1736
Meagan’s HOPE Memorial Walk
Ehlers Danlos Syndromes Awareness & Suicide Prevention
Wausau, WI: EDS Wisconsin, Inc., EDS Wellness, and the Braun Family are hosting the First Annual Meagan’s HOPE Memorial Walk for EDS Awareness & Suicide Prevention at Wausau’s Oak Island on Saturday, May 5, 2018. Special Guests in attendance include Geneticist Dr. Juan Dong and Jessica Reed of PreventionGenetics, Pain Specialist Linda S. Bluestein, M.D., Executive Director Kendra N Myles of EDS Wellness, Executive Director John Ferman of EDS Awareness, and the Co-Founder of Advanced Tele-Genetic Counseling. A special announcement will be made at 1:00 pm followed by a brief Q & A session and a one mile Walk.
Ehlers Danlos syndromes (EDS) 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 both patients and medical professionals needless suffering. Early diagnosis is validating and empowering for patients, their loved ones and medical professionals! Diagnosis enables proper treatment strategies and fewer unnecessary medical visits.
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 most recently resided in Weston. Meagan was an outstanding mother of two young children and 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 (POTS), allergies and 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. The Walk is being held in honor of Meagan’s gracious spirit.
The Mission of the not-for-profit organization EDS Wisconsin is to provide support and resources to Wisconsin patients and medical professionals about Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and related conditions via education and research. Together with the Braun Family and the prestigious national 501(c)3 organization EDS Wellness, this Walk is an opportunity to increase awareness, support, resources, and education for those affected by EDS and suicide. There will be raffle prizes, t-shirts and balloons for participants.
This event is proudly supported and sponsored by Wisconsin Integrative Pain Specialists, Linda S Bluestein, M.D., Prevention Genetics, The Caring Tree Children’s Counseling Center, Advanced Tele Genetic Counseling (ATGC), Concrete Creations of Wisconsin, Inc., EDS Awareness, Mariah Liisa Design, LLC, and Tools of Marketing, Inc.
Please join us at Wausau’s Oak Island on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 1:00 pm!
For more information on these conditions and to pre-register go to www.EDSWI.org
Sincerely,
Angie Braun
