Three generations of Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex in one picture (not pictured: Al's father, Bob and sister, Deb; both had EBS).

Al, Rob, and Walker Cantrell all have Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex.

Al has shared stories about playing sports and working in mills while getting blisters. The daily task of good footwear, keeping socks and shoes dry, trial and error with different creams and over-the-counter treatments. He has also shared stories about his dad, Robert, using a razor to cut off blisters while in military training. His sister, Deb, had a mild case as well but would get blisters as a child too.

I first heard of EB in 2012 when I was in college. I started dating my now husband, Rob, and was curious why he was always wearing socks when I would come over to his apartment. He wasn't ashamed or embarrassed, just wanted to keep his EB Simplex diagnosis private. As our relationship progressed, he opened up about EBS and how it affected his daily life. He never let it define him or slow him down. Thanks to Rob, I learned about EBS along with other forms of EB.

Fast forward to June 25, 2019, our son Walker was born. We knew there was a chance he would have EB; June 24, 2020 we received his official diagnosis and a referral to Children's Hospital of Atlanta to see a pediatric dermatologist. Now, our daily routine often includes checking socks and shoes for anything that might create a blister, applying barrier cream, pain medication and popping blisters.

Our family chiropractor was aware of Walker's diagnosis and attempted to put us in contact with a family whose daughter was diagnosed at birth with EB. Little did we know that was Hallie Grace. Unfortunately, Hallie Grace passed before we could connect with the family. I was devastated for a family we'd never met. Thankfully, July 2024, our paths crossed again when Walker and Brielle were placed in the same class for kindergarten. Some say fate brought us together, but it was definitely Hallie Grace.