Ringing in the New Year with EA/TEF Awareness Month has been a Different Dream tradition since 2011. The “TEF” part is short for a condition known as tracheoesophageal fistula. The initials “EA” are short for esophageal atresia, a condition that often, but not always, accompanies a tracheoesophageal fistula.

My husband and I became acquainted with the condition shortly after our son was born with it in 1982. That was long before the advent of the internet, so we learned about it from our newborn’s doctor. In today’s world, you can learn more about EA/TEF by clicking on this link, which will take you to Boston Children’s Hospital.

Each January, guest bloggers share their EA/TEF stories at Different Dream. Some bloggers are parents of kids and/or adults with EA/TEF. Others were born with the condition. This year, you’ll get updates and advice from previous bloggers Karena Skibinski, Valeria Conshafter, and Maggi Gale. You’ll also meet first time Different Dream blogger and EA/TEF survivor Anna Silva, who was born with the condition in 1984. My post about lessons I’ve learned since our son was born with EA/TEF will round out the month.

My hope, as always, is that ringing in the New Year with EA/TEF Awareness Month will encourage and educate parents raising kids with the condition, as well as equip others to come alongside families as they care and advocate for their children.

Welcome to EA/TEF Awareness Month, 2025. Let the awareness begin!

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