05/20/2026
🌌We’re doing a Fundraiser!🌌
✨️May is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month✨️
✨️What is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder?
EDS/HSD are a group of genetic connective tissue disorders created by weak or faulty collagen in the body. Collagen is the glue that holds our body together, and connective tissue makes up everything from our bones, to teeth, to our skin and even our blood. This faulty collagen results in joint hypermobility, subluxations/dislocations, fragile skin, and chronic pain.
There are 13 different subtypes of EDS, all affecting the body differently, and often coming with a collection of comorbidities, like MCAS, POTS, dysautonomia, G.I. and neurological issues. EDS and HSD affect approximately 1 in 500 Canadians and can affect anyone at any age. It’s a severely under studied disease, and can be incredibly difficult to diagnose. Symptoms are often similar to many autoimmune diseases, can vary from person to person, and there is still so much Doctors are learning about HSD and EDS.
✨️Why is this Fundraiser Important to Atomic Arts?
I was born with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos, but didn’t recieve my diagnosis until age 35. As a child I had constant joint dislocations, pain I was told I was “too young to have”, and chronic fatigue. I could have been diagnosed at 5 years old, all the signs and symptoms were there, but my doctors didn’t even know EDS existed at the time.
I was gaslit most of my life into believing it was all in my head. I was misdiagnosed multiple times. Prescribed medications that only made things worse. I had multiple hospital visits, and a couple near death experiences, and I was still told I was "just a hypochondirac".
After 2 decades of searching for anwers, and nearly giving up, I finally got a diagnosis and learnt that I was actually right about everything that was happening to my body!
I now have a better understanding of what triggers my flares, what my limitations are, and how to self advocate.
And, although there is no cure, I am able to actually somewhat manage things now that I have a great team of medical practitioners who actually understand hypermobility and EDS.
✨️So for the rest of May Atomic Arts will be accepting donations for the EDS Canada Foundation.
✨️And on Saturday May 30th we will be having a piercing event from 10-5pm, with 100% of the proceeds going to the EDS Canada Foundation.
✨️Appointments are available, walk-in availability may be limited.
💜We’re very excited for this fundraiser and to help educate and spread awareness about HSD and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome💜
