According to a story from VICE News, Congressman George Santos was recently elected to Congress in the 2022 mid-term elections. Since then, his past has been placed under scrutiny, and it appears that he spread a lot of false information during his campaign about his credentials and achievements. Examples include his religious background, education, his mother’s death, and whether his grandparents fled the Holocaust. These controversies have landed him in potential legal trouble, both in the US and in Brazil. It appears that he also lied about supporting the epidermolysis bullosa (EB) patient community.

About Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of genetic conditions which are most characterized by unusual blistering of the mucous membranes and skin. These painful blisters can occur with only minor friction or abrasion. The disease can be fatal in severe cases. These disorders are all caused by genetic mutations; the various subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa are classified by which genes are affected. Painful mucosal and skin blisters are the defining symptoms, but other complications may include esophageal narrowing and a vastly increased risk of skin cancer. There is no cure for the condition; treatment primarily focuses on symptom management, such as controlling pain, cleaning wounds, prevention or treatment of complications, nutritional support, and controlling infections. Males and females are affected at equal rates. The disease can seriously shorten lifespan, and in severe cases, patients do not survive beyond infancy. There is a dire need for more effective treatment approaches for epidermolysis bullosa. To learn more about these disorders, click here.

A Web of Lies

Santos’ website stated that he was “engaged in helping children with EB.” However, when VICE News contacted advocacy organizations working in this disease, they had no records to show that Santos or his family had ever been involved. The claim remained on his campaign site as late as November 2020.

“I was not aware of George Santos making any claim to have volunteered or donated to any EB charity globally.” – Brett Kopelan, Executive Director, debra of America

Eventually, the claim was taken off of the website. This change follows a pattern of Santos and his campaign appearing to, at best, stretch the truth if not outright lie about his personal and professional history.