Genesis

Genesis was born in January 2014.  Soon after her birth doctors discovered her blood lactic acid levels were dangerously high.  When doctors saw high lactic acid levels in Genesis, this meant that this newborn baby girl was dangerously ill.  High lactic acid levels can be caused by many things, all of them serious conditions.  If not treated, it can damage and destroy various organs including the brain.  Genesis was transferred to a larger children’s hospital. Doctors performed many tests on Genesis including MRIs, CAT scans, X-rays, blood work, skin graph tests and they all came back negative, but her lactic acid levels remained high.

Doctors determined that Genesis has problems with her metabolism caused by a genetic defect with her mitochondria.  They do not know what type of mitochondrial disease she has.  Mitochondria are tiny organelles responsible for energy production inside all of our cells except for red blood cells.   They produce 90% of the energy needed by our body for life and growth.  When mitochondria aren’t working correctly, this can damage cells and endanger whole organ systems including the brain. Genesis’ condition took a turn for the worse.  She started having constant seizures, some that were not visible to the eye.  She also had swelling on her brain.  Although her parents work with her to improve her development, at four months old she still struggled with things that a healthy baby has no problems with.  She was still not able to hold her head up and has a motor delay and feeding problems.

Ethan is 9 years old
Genesis enjoys: