BRADFORD, Pa. - The Pitt-Bradford softball team raised money Saturday for the fight against Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in support of teammate Maggie O'Connell.

The Panthers wore purple shirts prior to the games against La Roche and collected donations. All money raised will go to the Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Foundation.

O'Connell has been a part of the softball program for the last three seasons and occasionally performs the national anthem prior to the start of games. Last year, she sang the national anthem at a Baltimore Orioles game at Camden Yards.

EDS is a rare genetic disorder that can weaken blood vessels, cause extreme elasticity of the skin and make joints so flexible that they are unstable and prone to dislocation. It affects about 1 in 5,000 people globally, and while there is no cure for EDS, there is treatment for symptoms and preventative measures that are helpful for most.