D-Day (Diagnosis Day).
A year ago today, we got the call that changed everything.
The call telling us that Clark has Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A and that it’s terminal, there’s no cure or treatment, and that supportive care is all that exists. Take lots of photos and love him as much as you can.
I still can’t fully put into words the pain we felt that day, but even in the middle of all of it, there was still light.
I needed to tell someone, but I wasn’t ready to tell our family. So I shared the news with all of you, and I am still blown away by the immediate outpouring of love and support you offered.
Buckeyes, Vols, Wolverines, and so many more stepped up to remind us we aren’t alone in this. We even got to meet @BoCamaro, who organized the experience of a lifetime and a Christmas we will never forget with all of your help.
A year later, the days are still hard, but not like they were then. Every day still starts with tears and the questions, “Why us?” and “Why him?” But even in the middle of that, we have hope. Profound hope.
Clark’s story is not set in stone. We are seeing firsthand through his clinical trial just how close we are to the prognosis of Sanfilippo completely changing. He’s almost 6 and is defying everything that would normally be expected for a child with this disease.
He’s physically doing things he couldn’t do before. His brain is stable. His hearing loss has disappeared. He’s learning more words and songs every day. He’s beating this thing.
We are on the verge of Sanfilippo no longer being a death sentence, but a manageable disease where kids can live long, healthy, happy lives, and no family has to hear the words: “There is no treatment. Supportive measures only. Love them while you can.”
So today, I’m allowing myself to be a little sad that this is our journey… but then I’m thinking of all of you who have rallied behind us, and I’m focusing on the hope.
Thank you all for your continued love, prayers, and support. Thank you for being a part of our family. 💜