Landmark Christian Elementary School in Fairburn recently conducted a fund-raiser to benefit the National Marfan Foundation.

The campaign was chaired by Cheryl Thrasher, the mother of Kevin, a fifth grade student at Landmark with Marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue throughout the body and very often also affects the heart and aorta. Many of the physical characteristics include:

Tall, thin stature with disproportionately long arms.

Long, double-jointed fingers.

Unusually long lower half of body.

Curvature of the spine.

Chest bone that curves either inward or outward.

Flat feet.

Nearsightedness (lenses are prone to dislocation).

During the fund-raiser, $9,246 was raised, which came from students, parents, family and friends.

Early diagnosis and careful management of a Marfan patient is essential, and the NMF will use this money to disseminate accurate and timely information about the condition to patients, family members and health care providers, provide support for patients and their families, and support and foster research.

For information about Marfan syndrome and the NMF phone 1-800-8-MARFAN.