PKU: A Life-Giving Diagnosis

Kevin Alexander is a professional videographer. He also has an inherited metabolic condition, PKU (phenylketonuria). Thanks to Newborn Screening, Kevin was diagnosed with PKU just 9 days after birth and immediately put on dietary treatment. With a carefully monitored diet, Kevin has been able to live an otherwise normal life. In the 1960s, PKU was the first condition to be tested for as part of Newborn Screening. Newborn screening now includes up to 60 disorders, depending on the state, and can provide a timely and life-saving diagnosis for many infants. Through multiple video projects, Kevin has worked to raise awareness of PKU and of Newborn Screening more broadly. He is now also starting a podcast related to PKU! Watch for the first episode on PKU Awareness Day (December 3) and regular episodes starting in January.

Interview Reference Points:

What is PKU? Why is it diagnosed through Newborn Screening (NBS) and how is it treated?@ 1:40

Kevin’s diagnosis with PKU and ongoing management by metabolic team at Tulane @ 6:34

Feeling the difference of PKU @ 11:03

Living with PKU as an adult and the benefit of newer medications @ 14:54

In 2011, Kevin releases a short documentary My PKU Life and becomes more involved in PKU and NBS advocacy @ 16:44

Social Media as a tool for connecting with other people with PKU @ 18:48

Life with untreated PKU and the life that NBS has made possible - @ 20:06

Parents’ Privacy Concerns and Newborn Screening (NBS) @ 23:00

PKU support system on Facebook @ 27:46

The Medical Nutrition Equity Act @ 31:20

Meeting Katy and her family: a late PKU diagnosis @ 35:41

Links and Resources

Kevin’s Facebook page

Kevin’s short documentary My PKU Life

Kevin’s documentaryFor Katy

Kevin’s short documentary Kevin's YouTube Channel

Kevin featured in a recent CRM Studios blog post

National PKU Alliance

More on Newborn Screening: Baby’s First Test

More on the Medical Nutrition Equity Act

Kevin's new podcast! PKU Life Podcast with Kevin Alexander

PKU Life Podcast Facebook page

PKU Life Podcast on Twitter@PKULifePodcast

PKU Life Podcast on Instagram @pkulifepodcast

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