PMD

Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease

Jacob Trossman

Eight year old Jacob Trossman is a very active and social boy. Although Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) limits his abilities, he doesn’t let it stop him from having fun.

Earlier in the year Jacob had his first sleepover at a friend’s house, and he had a blast! With the assistance of a few special people, Jacob was able to have a typical childhood experience.

Jacob continues to amaze and impress all those around him. Just a few weeks ago, while testing out his new switch-adapted Ipod that will help him to communicate, he was able to let the group know that he wanted to sit on his mom’s lap. Following the two hour meeting, he told us he was tired. We are hopeful that this device will allow him to express the myriad of thoughts and needs that he has, until now, been unable to share.

Within the past year, Stem Cells Inc. in California began a study to investigate stem cell transplants in children with PMD. To date, two transplants have taken place and we will continue to follow this groundbreaking study.

In February, the PMD fund at Jacob’s Ladder received a substantial monetary award by Today’s Parent For Kids’ Sake Reader with a Cause award for the outstanding work being done to further PMD research.

Thank you for your continued support and keep checking Jacob’s blog at www.curepmd.com/blog