Zebras of Hope

Zebras of Hope is a short work of non-fiction about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders. Zebras of Hope includes information about the different types of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and how they are categorized. It discusses the shortened life expectancy of those diagnosed with vascular type. It details what to expect after diagnosis, including detailed information about different symptoms and what type of medical expert to seek for treatment of those symptoms.

This book includes discussion about the length of time and the amount of frustration it takes to be diagnosed with a rare disease. Zebras of Hope also talks about the struggle of living with an invisible illness, and why it can be so challenging.

Zebras of Hope includes stories from the lives of EDSers who have been diagnosed and learned to live well despite their diagnosis, including the author and her brother. There is a story from a little boy named Jeremy with kyphoscoliosis type of EDS, and it details his bravery and strength in the face of a very difficult diagnosis. There are stories showing what those with classical type and hypermobile type go through in their daily lives and how they make their way through the fog of depression to move forward to a life of joy despite EDS.

Lastly, this book makes suggestions for making the most of life after diagnosis. The author is a Christian and she discusses how her faith has gotten her through the difficulties of coping with EDS. Ellen Kelleher seeks to inform the reader about EDS, without overwhelming them with information. The book includes references to the leading medical experts in the United States. There is also a list of helpful support websites at the end of the book.