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Learn about the Wellspring Nonprofit Corporation
Our story
"I was told that I would never meet another person with this condition."
For Melissa Dickinson, the journey with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome has been both a personal struggle and a calling to create change. As featured in CNN International, Melissa's experience reflects the difficult path many patients face.
"My joints were constantly subluxing and dislocating. I was in pain all the time," Melissa has shared. Like many patients, she endured years of misdiagnosis and medical skepticism before finally receiving a proper diagnosis. As a mental health professional, Melissa understood the profound psychological impact of chronic physical symptoms coupled with medical dismissal. This unique perspective fueled her determination to create a community where patients could find validation and support.
What began as a Facebook post seeking others with EDS has grown into a movement to transform healthcare in Georgia, with the goal of ensuring no patient faces this journey alone.
Our Mission
Wellspring Nonprofit Corporation was established as a 501(c)(3) organization with a clear purpose: to raise funds for creating Georgia's first comprehensive EDS and Hypermobility Clinic.
Our vision is to establish a specialized medical facility that offers:
- Expert diagnosis and genetic testing
- Personalized treatment plans
- Care from clinicians trained in current EDS standards
- Comprehensive management of common comorbid conditions
Why This Matters
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a genetic condition affecting connective tissue throughout the body. It causes a cascade of serious health issues including:
- Chronic pain and frequent dislocations
- Autonomic dysfunction
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
- GI dysmotility disorders
- Neurological complications
- Circulatory system disorders
- Orthopedic issues
Currently, Georgians with EDS must travel out of state for specialized care or patch together treatment from doctors who may have limited understanding of their condition.
Make a Difference
Join us in making specialized care accessible to all Georgians living with EDS and Hypermobility disorders.