Mary Chapman, features writer —

Mary graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in journalism. She began her career at United Press International, then spent a decade reporting for the Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. (now Bloomberg Industry Group). Mary has written extensively for The New York Times, and her work has appeared in publications such as Time, Newsweek, Fortune, and the Chicago Tribune. She’s won a Society of Professional Journalists award for outstanding reporting.

Articles by Mary Chapman

Segal Foundation commits $6.7M to advance EDS research

As part of its commitment to support rare disease research, the Mike and Sofia Segal Foundation has pledged $6.7 million to The Ehlers-Danlos Society to advance scientific research in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). The “transformative” commitment includes a number of gifts to further and…

‘Acts of Awareness’ Welcome in May, Marking EDS and HSD Month

From committing repeat “acts of awareness” to participating in social media challenges, supporters globally are marking Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) month, observed each May. The month is set aside to bring attention to the group of genetic disorders affecting the connective tissues that give structure to…

EveryLife Introduces First of Kind ‘Roadmap’ to ICD Codes

To help patient advocacy leaders and their partners better understand how global health statistics codes — known as ICD codes — are assigned, updated, and revised in the U.S. health information system, the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases is presenting a first-of-its-kind resource guide. The foundation created the…

Virtual Events on Tap Globally for May, EDS and HSD Awareness Month

Scores of virtual events are on tap for global EDS and HSD Awareness Month, observed each May. The activities are focused on heightening awareness of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders, and the individuals they affect. Patients, caregivers, and advocates worldwide are invited to perform “acts of awareness,”  flood…

Plastic Surgery for EDS

The skin of people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is thin, vulnerable, and prone to injury. Because of this, patients sometimes need plastic surgery, which involves the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects involving the skin or other areas. Why plastic surgery may be needed EDS refers to a group of genetic…

Massage Therapy for EDS

Massage therapy may help ease symptoms, such as tight muscles and pain, often experienced by patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Here is some information about the complementary treatment that may be helpful to you if you have EDS. What is EDS? EDS refers to a group of genetic disorders…

Rare Disease Day at NIH, Set for March 1, Growing Year by Year

Rare Disease Day at NIH, organized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and taking place on March 1, will feature panel discussions, patient stories, research updates, TED-style talks, and a presentation by a Nobel laureate recently recognized for her work on a gene editing tool. The free, virtual…