Ten-year-old Jarrett Payne of Sidney has so far had an amazing career in swimming. And it’s been against all odds.
The son of Jeff and Wendy Payne, Jarrett was diagnosed at a very young age with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
As explained in medical terms, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affect one’s connective tissue, primarily skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Connective tissue provides strength and elasticity to the underlying structures of the body.
People who have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome usually have overly-flexible joints and stretchy fragile skin. This can become a problem if one has a wound that requires stitches because the skin often isn’t strong enough to hold them.
