Michael+Phelps+Raise+Marfan+Syndrome+Awareness

[|Fox News] August 21, 2008 On the wake of his Olympic domination, Michael Phelps started a shockwave of Marfan syndrome awareness. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue is present throughout the body, so if Marfan were to affect certain parts of connective tissue, like the heart, it could be fatal. Characteristics include extreme flexibility, a longer wingspan than height, curvature of the spine, dislocation of eye lenses, and others. Although these characteristics could fit anyone in the general public, and the chance of have the genetic disorder is very slim, it is encouraged that you see a doctor. The death of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman and the Broadway musical writer John Larson are perfect examples of Marfa syndrome. Thousands of scared people swarmed to hospitals and doctors. Many people were disease free, but some were diagnosed. Their lives were saved that day. Rachel Germaine March 8, 2011