Last Friday marked one months time since Democrat Jim Mowrer of Boone tried unsuccessfully to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Steve King in Novembers District 4 election.
These days, Mowrer and his wife, Chelsea, are asking for support of a different kind. One year ago, their 4-year-old son, Jack, was diagnosed with Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects about 500 people in the U.S. and 40- to 100,000 people worldwide.
The Mowrers are seeking donations for the A-T Childrens Project (ATCP), a not-for-profit group that raises money for research for A-T, as its commonly called.
Were hoping to raise about $20,000 before the end of the year, Mowrer said Friday. We appreciate how the community is helping out.
To date, the Mowrers have raised about $16,000 for ATCP.
Jack is pretty active now, Mowrer said, but he will likely lose the ability to walk in the next few years. Eventually, everyone is in a wheelchair by age 10. Life expectancy is about 24.
There is no known cure for A-T, he said, and treatment consists of treating the symptoms.
If we can find a cure for this, scientists say it would unlock a cure for more common diseases as well, like Alzheimers, Parkinsonsbecause to cure it, you essentially have to alter the DNA, he said.
The disease creates breath issues, Mowrer said. And theyre very susceptible to cancer as well, about a 50 percent chance. The immune system is compromised, as well, and other illnesses in general.
Mower said four people in Iowa are afflicted with A-T, which can be difficult to diagnose.
See the article here:
Mowrers seeking help for youngest sons rare disease