February
5, 1995 ~ March 9, 2003
About
Alexis and MCAD Deficiency
MCADD
On
March 6, 2003, Alexis became ill
with flu-like symptoms. That night when I put her to bed,
I didn't know that it would be the last time I would ever
hear her sweet voice tell me "I love you". The next morning,
I woke
to find Alexis unresponsive. Immediately she was rushed to
the ER.
Test after test was done, but still no answer came explaining
why Alexis was so sick. Days passed and her condition worsened.
On
Sunday, March 9, Alexis' life on earth ended. Six weeks
later, we found out what had taken this energetic, loving
girl with a smile that could melt your heart. It was a silent
killer called MCADD that had been living in her body since
birth.
MCADD is a rare hereditary disease. Although rare,
MCADD occurs in approximately one in 10,000 live births and
it is deadly if undetected.
If Alexis had been tested for this disease at birth, along
with the required newborn screening, she would still be with
us today. Death in children with MCADD is easily avoidable.
If diagnosed early, our children can live full and happy lives.
Please
take a moment to read the attached information. Early detection,
through supplemental screening, can make all the difference
in saving our children. Ask your pediatrician for information
on how to get your child or newborn tested immediately. Several
labs offer an inexpensive supplemental
newborn screening process for 30+ hereditary diseases.
Please
tell your doctor you want your child tested for MCADD!
Thank
You,
The
Loved Ones of Alexis Nicole Knapton
