Asher is a beautiful, 7-year-old boy living with 4H Leukodystrophy, POLR3B type. His family, including an older sister, were thrilled to welcome him as a healthy, full-term baby. He was happy, had an infectious smile and met all early milestones.

Diagnosis

At around 14 months, Asher began walking. As he grew, his parents noticed he was not growing out of his clumsy toddler walk. Asher was falling a lot and developed fine motor tremors.

At around 3 years old, Asher’s parents became concerned. His primary doctor referred him to a neurologist who, after ruling out several diagnoses through blood tests, ordered an MRI. His mother, Rachel, describes watching Asher be carried away to the MRI room as the most gut-wrenching thing she had experienced. She had no idea how their lives would change after that test. A life altering, incurable diagnosis never crossed her mind.

Two days before Thanksgiving in 2016, Asher’s family received the results of the MRI. His neurologist had asked them to come in prior to the holiday, stating that the news would require much support from our family. They drove 4 hours to the appointment, trying to keep a smile for Asher but terrified the entire time.

At the appointment, the doctors told the family that they found hypomyelination in the white matter of his brain, consistent with Vanishing White Matter Leukodystrophy, or VWM. Asher’s parents were given informational handouts and advice for his care, leaving the doctor’s office numb, angry, and scared. Their son was happy and unaware of his fate, while his parents were tormented, grieving and fearful of the future. The entire ride home Rachel cried in the front seat, not wanting Asher to see. That Thanksgiving was spent sharing the devastating news with family and attempting to put smiles on their faces for the children.

Rachel spent the next days and weeks furiously researching VWM. Asher’s MRI was sent to Dr. Nicole Wolf in Amsterdam to get verification because his neurologist had never seen a leukodystrophy patient before. Dr. Wolf was skeptical that it was actually VWM. Rachel pushed for genetic testing and after much back and forth for insurance coverage, Asher was tested. It was then determined that he had 4H Leukodystrophy, POLR3B type. Rachel felt a wash of grief all over again. She had researched, connected with and fundraised for the wrong type of leukodystrophy, and felt alone once again.

Connecting

After receiving the correct diagnosis, Rachel connected with other families and doctors through Facebook groups for POLR3 caretakers. She also connected with Dr. Genevieve Bernard’s lab in Montreal, talking through the family’s concerns and questions.

By connecting with other families, Rachel now feels less alone. Despite being miles apart and having never met many of these families, there is a common challenge that connects them. Shortly after Asher’s diagnosis, his family started a Facebook page called Asher’s Army to spread awareness and fundraise for 4H. The support Asher’s community gave to his family in those first months, including an outpouring of love and prayers, was nothing short of incredible. A silent live auction was organized that raised thousands of dollars, most of which was sent to Dr. Bernard’s lab for 4H research.

Impact

The impact of 4H on Asher and his family’s daily lives is both physical and emotional, getting more difficult each year. Asher’s body grows but he loses abilities. He is seven years old but functionally a toddler. His parents dress, bathe, change and feed him. He is unable to feed himself due to tremors and a weak grip. Any fine motor skills are difficult to impossible for him. He is very small for his age so his parents are able to carry him when he is fatigued or can’t navigate the terrain, however, the time is soon coming when they will no longer be able to safely carry him.

For Asher’s mom, the emotional toll is far more exhausting than the physical. From the heart shattering diagnosis to navigating daily life since that day, Rachel’s mind is constantly worried about the what ifs and the unknowns. The little joy-filled moments are tinged with grief as she contemplates his future. He smiles and laughs, yet she is heartbroken that Asher has to face this disease.

In his short time on earth so far, Asher has changed lives for the better. His kind heart and perseverance have inspired many in his circle of friends and family. He has taught many to appreciate and cherish the small moments. He has also given Rachel a reason to get out of her comfort zone and fight and advocate for children with rare diseases like his.

Moving Forward

Dealing with a rare disease that has no treatment or cure often leaves Rachel feeling incredibly helpless. Advocating for Asher and for the advancement of 4H research for a cure—through sharing his life, challenges, recent research and fundraising on his Facebook page—helps Rachel feel less helpless.

Because Asher was diagnosed on November 22, 2016, his family and friends wear blue every November 16 for Leukodystrophy awareness, in an effort to turn a difficult day into one of hope.

Asher’s Army has joined forces with the Yaya Foundation for 4H Leukodystrophy. The Yaya Foundation is making great strides in collaborating with families and researchers to discover therapies. Sharing Asher’s story and fundraising for research gives many hope and empowers Rachel to keep fighting for Asher and other children like him.

A Mother’s Words

“There are no words to describe how incredible my son is. He has faced this disease head-on with incredible strength. His life has been filled with appointments, therapies, disappointing diet changes, and he rarely complains. He always finds the good and has a smile on his face. He loves Spiderman, dinosaurs, his 4-wheeler and his dog, Baxter. He is one hundred percent a mama’s boy and I love it. He still cuddles with me and gives me a ‘dino kiss’ every morning. As he grows, he is starting to see more and more of his limitations. He is getting more frustrated that he cannot keep up with other children. However, he has not lost his positivity or his caring and loving attitude. He simply finds a way to adapt and overcome. Asher has a lot to teach us by showing us joy and how to cherish the important things in life.”