Vector Brewing is hosting a stem cell donation drive this weekend in support of a Lake Highlands child diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder.
The Hall Family.
1-year-old William Hall was recently diagnosed with X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare genetic disorder that disrupts the body’s ability to regulate the nervous system and adrenal cortex. If the disorder advances to cerebral ALD, as occurs in about 35 percent of affected children, the prognosis is bleak, with most affected children experiencing fatal symptoms within a few years of diagnosis.
It’s the same disease which ultimately caused the death of 8-year-old Julian Kampfschulte in 2016. Hall’s parents live close to the Kampfschulte family and have connected with Julian’s parents since William’s diagnosis.
Luckily, while ALD has no cure at this time, it can be treated. Gene therapy and bone marrow transplants (which contain stem cells) can slow the disorder’s progression.
In order to help William and others affected by ALD, the Halls are teaming up with Vector Brewing to host a stem cell donation drive on May 10. From 4:30-6:30 p.m, neighbors can register to see if they are a match for William or other children in need. The process is simple and involves a quick cheek swap.
The Halls have also started a nonprofit effort, Will to Cure ALD, in order to help fund ALD research. Will to Cure ALD is a component fund of The Dallas Foundation, a nonprofit organization which contributes to charitable efforts throughout Dallas. You can read more about Will to Cure ALD here.
Vector Brewing is located at 9850 Walnut Hill Ln #405
