The EDS Global Learning Conference was held in Las Vegas from September 7–9, 2017 and we were lucky enough to attend the event for the first time as a sponsor and vendor.
"The Ehlers-Danlos Society is a global community of patients, caregivers, health care professionals, and supporters, dedicated to saving and improving the lives of those affected by the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and related disorders. Our goals are world-wide awareness—and a better quality of life for all who suffer from these conditions. Our strength begins with hope. The Ehlers-Danlos Society is focused on making a real difference for those living with EDS. The Global Learning Conference is the highlight of our year, and is far more than just a series of seminars. One of our EDS friends explained it this way: “The Learning Conference is the one place I go where my disease isn’t invisible, and where everybody I talk to understands.”
We have noticed over the years that many 'medical zebras' with chronic pain illnesses and conditions benefit from the smartCRUTCH design because it takes pressure off any one single point, and because the design can be used as a cane or as crutches, and is quickly moved from a forearm to platform position, it becomes a flexible mobility aid for good days and bad days with pain or flare ups.
Many of those that came to see us said they weren't ready for crutches yet but wanted to check them out for the future and get fitted, but once we showed them how one crutch can be set up high in a platform and then used as a super comfy 'rest' in between their legs during walks they could see how that would immediately benefit them by allowing them to be walking longer distances or time with less fatigue.
We could also show how much having one crutch aided in stability and reduced the risk of falls particularly with fatigue and that it was a reassuring 'safety net'. Having one crutch also makes others more aware of personal space, and are less inclined to jostle and more inclined to give up their seat. All of which helps to make with energy expended in a day!
Read more about Why smartCRUTCH is an EDS-friendly product here.
Our biggest delight was making so many wonderful connections and meeting so many people at the conference and we hope to be back again next year.
