The Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities had staff who supported a local student recently in his effort to raise funds to fight Batten disease.
Edison is a student attending Hills and Dales Preschool. He is a sweet, happy, little boy who is battling Batten disease. Last Saturday, Emily Combs, Edison’s teacher, and Chelsey Seeling, the Hills and Dales Preschool education coordinator, attended the 5K walk named Battling Batten with Edison.
There was a great turnout that raised awareness about Batten disease. Proceeds also went to help with Edison’s medical and travel expenses. These important people in Edison’s life from the preschool were grateful for the opportunity to attend.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Batten disease is the name for a group of inherited nervous system disorders that most often begin in childhood and interfere with a cell’s ability to recycle a cellular residue called lipofuscin. Because of the different gene mutations, signs and symptoms range in severity and progress at different rates. Symptoms generally include: progressive vision loss leading to blindness, seizures, movement disorder and dementia. Developmental skills such as standing, walking and talking may not be achieved or are gradually lost.
Submitted by Stacy Hazelton, Highland County Board of DD public relations.
