New York Moms Pushing For Nationwide Screening For Rare Genetic Disorder
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- In New York state, newborn testing for a rare genetic disorder is saving lives.
Now, the family behind Aidan's Law is trying to make screening mandatory in all 50 states.
As WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported, 1-year-old Patrick Flynn, of Yonkers, has adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). His mother, Suzanne Flynn, learned of the diagnosis only because last year New York state began screening newborns for the condition.
New York Mothers Pushing For Nationwide Screening For Rare Genetic Disorder
Her 5-year-old son, Gavin, tested positive, too. Because it was caught early, a stem cell transplant can halt the fatal genetic disorder that attacks the brain and central nervous system.
ALD killed 7-year-old Aidan Seeger from Brooklyn a years ago. His family fought for the screening in New York.
"Because of Aidan's Law and because of Elisa (Seeger, Aidan's mother), how brave she was and how in the midst of her grief she thought to help other people, children are being saved," Suzanne Flynn said. "My boys are saved because of Aidan's Law."
Now Suzanne Flynn is joining Elisa Seeger to push for the screenings nationwide.
