Video: Two Families Share A Common Bond Because Of A Rare Childhood Disease

GREENWOOD SPRINGS, MISS. (WCBI) – Nine year old Quinn Gregory and two year old Landon Waddle were both born with a genetic disease called MPS III Sanfilippo Syndrome.

In layman’s terms, the disease prevents the body from breaking down sugar molecules. Diagnosis is usually made in early childhood, and symptoms get progressively worse.

“He right now is able to walk, and he can talk just a little bit, but at some point, he will lose both of those, we’re just not sure when,” said Landon’s Mother, Julie Waddle.

The disease is so rare, Quinn and Landon are the only two MPS III patients in the entire state.

Quinn was diagnosed when he was two years old, and his mother, Suzanne, began holding fundraisers, and other events, to raise awareness, and money, because most insurance doesn’t cover the doctor visits and tests.

After Landon was diagnosed earlier this year, the two families met and found support from each other. The Gregory’s live in Louisville and the Waddle’s in Greenwood Springs.

“She contacted me through his Facebook page and we met up, I wasn’t sure if she wanted to meet somebody, sometimes seeing the future can be hard, it was hard for me. It’s been nice for me to kind have somebody that understands,” said Quinn’s Mother, Suzanne Gregory.

Both families have another unshakable bond, their Christian faith.

“We pray about Landon, everyday, and we have family, friends, everybody in the community is praying for him, we lean on Jesus,” Waddle said.

“I get up in the mornings, and the first thing I do, I say, give me the strength to get through the day, it’s not an easy road,” Gregory said.

Taking a cue from her friend, Julie is organizing a “Family Fun Night” this Saturday at Frisco Park in Amory. “Love for Landon” will feature a fun run and many activities. It is a chance to provide help and hope, in a tangible way.

The “Love for Landon” Family Fun Night takes place Saturday at Frisco Park from 4; 30 until 8 pm. For more information, contact  Mandy Leach at 870 946 9434;  Kate Nevins at 662 295 7750; or Julie Waddle at 662 315 7651.