Donations
If this site has helped you along your journey, please consider donating to our featured 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Walk With DeCo.
Your gift directly funds lifesaving research to predict, treat and prevent Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (VEDS) and other genetic vascular diseases.
Our story
Our family has several members who are affected by a genetic vascular collagen disease, Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome or VEDS.
Our non profit charity, WalkwithDeco.org was started by our son in law, Mike DeCoursey or Deco as he is known, after several aneurysms ruptured in his abdomen and leg due to VEDS. Luckily, his leg was saved, which encouraged him to walk 4 million steps and raise $40,000 for VEDS research in 2021.
Walk with Deco, continues to raise funds for genetic vascular disease research with our newest initiative of building a humanized mouse model with Georgia Tech and Emory University.
A humanized mouse model is the first step in understanding a genetic vascular disease.
This model will be available to any researcher expanding the field and utility of the mouse not only in VEDS but any inherited vascular disease. It will speed up the process of treatments and cures. This is important as there are no cures for a vascular collagen disease.
Current Research
Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston Studies
A predictive model to better anticipate vascular events in the VEDS community.
An exercise study to establish safe activity levels that prevent premature death and improve quality of life for people with inherited vascular disease including VEDS.
Lead investigator Dr. Shaine Morris
The mice are here!
Georgia Tech & Emory University in Atlanta Studies
Developing a humanized VEDS mouse model to advance research on inherited vascular collagen diseases.
Developing regeneration of a cardiovascular disease through using stem cells and tissue engineering technologies.
Lead investigator Dr. W. Robert Taylor
Research Updates
Humanized Mouse Model for VEDS
Construction of the DNA vector is completed for the normal and the VEDS mutation. In October 2025, the vectors were inserted into the mouse embryonic stem cells. In December 2025, we had several mice born with the wild type gene. Two pups were born in January 2026 with the mutation. Breeding is happening now!
Every contribution helps fuel hope and progress