A Parent's Heart
Interview with Stacy Branham
Stacy admits they knew there was something wrong with him when he was very small.
"He started having seizures when he was nine months old. He was developmentally delayed and did not walk until he was almost four. He can walk now, but we use a wheelchair long distances."
Austin had a muscle biopsy and a spinal tap in Atlanta in November of 2003. "We found out almost a year later that he has a ND4 mutation Mitochondrial disorder. He has high levels and lactic acid."
As a part of his daily regimen, Austin takes about seven pills in the morning and fifteen at night. Stacy says that he takes the Mito cocktail and they have seen great results. "The only problem we are having right now are seizures. He is having about one a week now and it is very frustrating."
As far as Austin is concerned personality-wise, he is "wonderful happy child who loves to play basketball (which despite his muscle problems, he is very good)." Austin's love of television shows consists of Blue's Clues and Jimmy Neutron. He adores his sister Emily, another love in his life. "They play good together," mom happily admits. Austin loves school and loves to ride the handicapped bus.
"Austin is such a wonderful boy, full of life.
I hope that we can find a cure for this disease one day."
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