My sister, Jeanne Bierach, was one of the strongest people I have ever known. She came into this world chronically ill and suffered throughout her entire life. Still, she was an incredible mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She not only suffered from HEDS, but also from dysautonomia, MCAS, Crohn’s disease, and likely a mitochondrial disorder (as we are now finding out). Exposure to severe mold in her home caused her to suffer more than ten rare strokes in less than three months and caused her MCAS to go into overdrive. This and EDS also caused her digestive system to shut down, and she was completely reliant on TPN as her weight dropped to 70 pounds. During this struggle she suffered multiple bouts of sepsis. Jeanne lost her battle on September 14, 2016 at the age of 47. Our entire family has HEDS and in her honor we fight to bring awareness to EDS and all co-conditions every day. Jeanne was a true warrior with unimaginable strength and resilience. She touched the hearts of every person that was fortunate enough to meet her. Fly high with the angels big sis! We miss you so very much!
—Sharon Scheydt-Rittler
