Thousands of Pennsylvanians live with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), an incurable genetic condition that weakens the body’s connective tissues. EDS is an umbrella term for thirteen related connective tissue disorders, all caused by genetic mutations that affect the body's collagen and elastin. Patients’ symptoms tend to vary significantly by their specific subtype of EDS; they can range from mild joint hypermobility to a significantly heightened risk of aneurysms.

This condition is difficult to diagnose, and many patients wait years to confirm that they have the disorder. Additionally, some types of EDS are frequently under recognized in primary care environments and may be initially misdiagnosed as somatic symptom disorder or anxiety. That’s just one part of why it’s so important to increase public awareness of EDS.

Every year, the Ehlers-Danlos Society recognizes May as EDS Awareness Month to bring wider awareness to the condition. In this spirit, I will be introducing a resolution to recognize May 2026 as “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution.