Annotation: The National Marfan Foundation (NMF) supports research on Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue disorders, provides information for affected families and physicians, and enables people with the syndrome and their families to share experiences, support one another, and improve their medical care. The foundation sponsors an annual conference. Publications include The Marfan Syndrome (5th ed.), The Marfan Syndrome: A Booklet for Teenagers, How John Was Unique (children's picture book), Marfan Syndrome: A Teacher's Booklet, various reprints of newspaper, magazine, and medical journal articles, a quarterly newsletter, "Connective Issues", Specialty brochures including one on Physical Avtivity and another on Pediatric Concerns, and a catalog. Available audiovisual materials include "How Do Your Genes Fit?", developed especially for use in middle schools, which explains genetic disorders, especially Marfan Syndrome; "The Heart of the Matter, a general informational video; and a CME accredited video, "Emergency Diagnosis and Treatment of Aortic Dissection."
Keywords: Connective tissue diseases, Marfan syndrome, Medical research, Support groups,
