Joey’s Birthday Bowl Fundraiser
Donation protected
The month of February is a special month for our family because we celebrate Joey’s 7th Birthday on February 8th and Rare Disease Day on February 28th.
In honor of these two celebrations we’re asking for your help to raise awareness for Galactosemia and to donate funds to support Research efforts underway for Galactosemia. Thank you in advance for your support!
Joey’s story:
Joey is a happy, smart, funny, 7-year-old, with one rare difference – he has a Metabolic disease called Galactosemia. Joey was diagnosed at three days old via New York State’s Newborn Screening Test. During infancy Joey was very sick and underwent treatments to remove the galactose build up from his body to help his failing organs thrive. Upon diagnosis, Joey responded quickly to a galactose-free diet. He has been growing and thriving ever since and continues to receive therapy services for the diseases side effects.
What does it mean:
Galactosemia is an inherited disorder of carbohydrate metabolism that affects the body's ability to use certain sugars from food. Galactosemics are missing the GALT enzyme to break down the sugar galactose and lactose. Joey’s body (all of our bodies) produces galactose, which also does harm to him.
Treatment: The Diet...
There is no current cure for Galactosemia. To treat Galactosemia, all sources of galactose must be eliminated from the diet. The largest sources of galactose are dairy products (milk, butter, cheese) and all foods containing dairy. This restricted diet must be followed for life. Galactosemia is not an allergy. If Joey accidentally eats a restricted food, he will become very sick; the galactose buildup in his blood and body tissues will cause damage to his organs and can lead to death.
Research:
Because Galactosemia is so rare (1 in 60,000), there are a lot of unknown answers. Unfortunately, the government does not fund research for rare diseases. Research is supported solely on donations.
In honor of these two celebrations we’re asking for your help to raise awareness for Galactosemia and to donate funds to support Research efforts underway for Galactosemia. Thank you in advance for your support!
Joey’s story:
Joey is a happy, smart, funny, 7-year-old, with one rare difference – he has a Metabolic disease called Galactosemia. Joey was diagnosed at three days old via New York State’s Newborn Screening Test. During infancy Joey was very sick and underwent treatments to remove the galactose build up from his body to help his failing organs thrive. Upon diagnosis, Joey responded quickly to a galactose-free diet. He has been growing and thriving ever since and continues to receive therapy services for the diseases side effects.
What does it mean:
Galactosemia is an inherited disorder of carbohydrate metabolism that affects the body's ability to use certain sugars from food. Galactosemics are missing the GALT enzyme to break down the sugar galactose and lactose. Joey’s body (all of our bodies) produces galactose, which also does harm to him.
Treatment: The Diet...
There is no current cure for Galactosemia. To treat Galactosemia, all sources of galactose must be eliminated from the diet. The largest sources of galactose are dairy products (milk, butter, cheese) and all foods containing dairy. This restricted diet must be followed for life. Galactosemia is not an allergy. If Joey accidentally eats a restricted food, he will become very sick; the galactose buildup in his blood and body tissues will cause damage to his organs and can lead to death.
Research:
Because Galactosemia is so rare (1 in 60,000), there are a lot of unknown answers. Unfortunately, the government does not fund research for rare diseases. Research is supported solely on donations.
Organiser
Tara Tanella
Organiser
Massapequa, NY
