Run This Whey

Run This Whey is a race sponsored by Swift Athletics to raise support and awareness for galactosemia. A person with this rare disorder cannot eat whey. Our daughter, Alexandra Ellen, was diagnosed with galactosemia as a newborn. When a healthy person eats dairy products, their body breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. Galactose is then broken down into glucose, the body's primary form of energy. A galactosemic person lacks the enzymes that break down galactose. Too much galactose in the blood is toxic, leading to an enlarged liver, cirrhosis, renal failure, cataracts, brain damage, and ovarian failure. Without treatment, mortality in infants with galactosemia is about 75%. Alexandra was switched from breast milk to soy formula and rice cereal – she is still perfect and beautiful. She shows no signs of complications at this time. But not all families are as blessed as we are. All of the proceeds will go to Parents of Galactosemic Children, Inc organization.