Marfan syndrome

is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue throughout

the body and very often also affects the heart and aorta. Many of the

physical characteristics include:

Tall, thin

stature with disproportionately long arms.

Long, double-jointed

fingers.

Unusually

long lower half of body.

Curvature

of the spine.

Chest bone

that curves either inward or outward.

Flat feet.

Nearsightedness

(lenses are prone to dislocation).

During the

fund-raiser, $9,246 was raised, which came from students, parents, family

and friends.

Early diagnosis

and careful management of a Marfan patient is essential, and the NMF

will use this money to disseminate accurate and timely information about

the condition to patients, family members and health care providers,

provide support for patients and their families, and support and foster

research.

For information

about Marfan syndrome and the NMF phone 1-800-8-MARFAN.