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Adrian Family
Michael, Marie, Oliver, and Odin
Hello from Michael, Marie, Oliver, and Odin Adrian from Stillwater, MN. Our family learned about adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) via MN newborn screening when Odin was born amidst the pandemic in August 2020. Fortunately, Oliver had also been screened when he was born in 2018 and we were able to confirm his negative status via genetic testing. Coming from a large family, we have since identified 10+ females with ALD, and five men/boys with ALD in our family. We are beyond grateful to have Dr. Gupta at the University of Minnesota following Odin, to participate in the research registry and to have Dr. Lund's lab diligently searching for a cure. Being a part of this organization gives us an incredible opportunity to contribute our time and energy to raise awareness and funds to cure the boys and X out ALD!!!
Valdez Family
Ken, Amanda, Niko and Elise
We are Ken, Amanda, Niko and Elise Valdez from Minneapolis, MN. We had no knowledge of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) prior to our son, Niko, being born in June of 2018. He was diagnosed with ALD through newborn screening. Niko's cousin, who was four-years-old at the time, was diagnosed with ALD following Niko’s diagnosis.
Niko is currently being monitored at the University of Minnesota's Masonic Children's Hospital. We feel so fortunate to have ALD experts in our backyard. On this short yet intense journey, we have learned how early diagnosis and monitoring are life saving. We are forever indebted to those who made newborn screening for ALD a reality and for the medical professionals dedicating their careers and lives to ALD research, monitoring and treatment.
ALD has rocked our world both in Niko's diagnosis and future family planning. This journey has brought me to my knees and tested me every way possible, but I will not let ALD define my family. Niko and all boys with ALD deserve to live long, healthy, happy lives and that is why our goal is to X out ALD!
Groh Family
Dan, Cassie and Brock
We are Dan, Cassie and Brock Groh. Since we had family history of ALD, we were fortunate to have Brock tested at birth. Minnesota started newborn screening for ALD in 2017, so without family history we would not have known. Brock was monitored from birth and unfortunately a lesion was found on his brain in December of 2018. He underwent a successful bone marrow transplant in January of 2019. All his MRIs post-transplant have shown no active disease. Due to M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s hospital and Dr. Troy Lund, Brock is winning his battle with ALD. We want to help support Dr. Lund and the entire team to continue to help other families X out ALD.
anderson Family
Tyler, Ashli and Calum
It’s the Andersons! Ashli, Tyler, and Calum. Oh and of course we can’t forget Finn and Mr. Magoo who are a huge part of our family and Cal’s best friends. Calum was born in November of 2024. Shortly after, Calum was diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) through newborn screening. The diagnosis initially caused significant stress and anxiety. However, our diagnosis led us to X out ALD!
X out ALD provided us with invaluable comfort, education, and a supportive community. Without newborn screening, we would never have known about ALD. Since the diagnosis, I have been committed to raising awareness. We have also discovered that my grandmother, father, and sister all carry the gene.
I am excited to join the X out ALD Board of Directors where I can continue to advocate, support other families, and help raise funds for further research! Together we will X out ALD!
