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 R491 mice having a siesta at Emory’s Lab ! Count “em….5
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
8/2026 We have 2 types of humanized mouse models. The normal (control wild type) and the mice with VEDS (collagen mutation R491). All mice are out of quarantine in the Emory Labs! In about a month, we expect new litters of pups and comparisons between the normal and VEDS mice will begin.
Shortly, the humanized control mouse model will be available to the general research community studying other inherited diseases.
The team will need to confirm that only the human collagen and the human mutated R491 have been added to the mice and that no other genetic changes develop. This could take up to a year.
Once there is confirmation, the next phases of the Emory/Georgia Tech mouse project will begin testing with the new models, helping us better understand Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (VEDS).
As you can see, it is a long process but has a huge upside for understanding inherited diseases.
Every contribution helps fuel hope and progress