ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 105

Raising a Son with Batten Disease and the Importance of Never Giving Up with Project Sebastian Founder Christopher Velona 

Christopher Velona is a rare dad on a mission, driving the goals of Project Sebastian. He joins me to share open, honest and vulnerable experiences from his life since his son Sebastian was diagnosed with Battens disease.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Can you tell us about your family?

I have two boys, ages 16 and 18, Gage and Sebastian. Sebastian has a rare disease called Batten disease variant CLN8. As a result of seizures, we were misdiagnosed with epilepsy. When Sebastian later had an onset of issues unrelated to epilepsy such as tripping, speaking, difficulty seeing and fine motor skill loss, we were referred for genetic testing and the diagnosis of Batten disease was confirmed. 

What did you do with the diagnosis?

I did everything the doctor said not to do. I went to WebMD and Google, scouring the internet for Batten disease and reading all the horrible stories online. I was also going through a divorce at the time and I was very angry, sad, resentful and lost. As the diagnosis only further drove us apart, I didn't have the support of a partner. 

What has helped you transition into being a single dad and managing Sebastian's diagnosis?

I had the support of my family and friends. I'm sober from drugs and alcohol for almost 26 years and I believe in Alcoholics Anonymous, applying the twelve steps to my daily life. With life-changing news, I had to really rely on my tools or face depression. I didn't want to believe it and it was challenging, which led to depression. I used the steps, went to meetings and was able to pull myself out of the depression. I found a mom that gave it to me straight- Kristen Gray from Charlotte and Gwenyth Gray Foundation. She has two children with Batten disease CLN6. She's been a great friend and great support system. 

Can you tell us about Project Sebastian?

Currently, there's no cure for Batten disease, but there are treatments available to prolong the life of the child. Project Sebastian makes a lot of noise, attacking advocacy and research efforts from all sides. I called my government officials and we co-authored Senate Joint Resolution 25 for Batten Disease Awareness Weekend, which went through the California State Senate and House and unanimously passed. As a result, the first weekend in June is Batten Disease Awareness Weekend for the state of California.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED

Charlotte and Gwenyth Gray Foundation

https://www.curebatten.org/

Neurogene

https://www.neurogene.com/

Project Sebastian Website

https://www.projectsebastian.org/

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