Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that has effects on the heart, blood vessels, ligaments and bones. The aorta is the main artery that brings blood from the heart and carries blood to the entire body. People with Marfan syndrome and related connective tissue disorders can develop an aneurysm or dilation in the aorta; this can weaken the vessel wall and potentially can lead to a tear in the wall or a dissection. An aortic dissection can have catastrophic effects and it is the leading cause of death in individuals with Marfan syndrome. 

Jan Lynch, MSN, RN, joined The Marfan Foundation staff in April as the Director of the Help & Resource Center. Through this blog post, we hope you get to know her a bit more and feel comfortable contacting her by phone or email with your medical questions and concerns.

Isaiah Austin, who was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome in 2014, left the NBA draft to better care for himself and the effects of his condition. But yesterday, November 30, 2016, Isaiah announced that he was beginning to pursue his dream once again.

About six months ago, I made the decision to “retire” from my career as a full time nanny at the ripe old age of 27. I didn’t make that decision because it was time to move on, or because I was just so over being a nanny - quite the opposite in fact. I retired because my body could no longer keep up with the kids I cared for. I retired because Marfan syndrome wasn’t going to let me do the work I loved any longer.