National Institue of Child Health and Human Development

Noah and Laine suffer from Batten Disease, a rare genetic illness that presently affects 2 to 4 of every 100,000 births in the United States. Laine has a twin sister, Emily, who does not have the disease. Affected children suffer mental impairment, worsening seizures, and progressive loss of sight and motor skills. Eventually, children with Batten disease become blind, bedridden, and unable to communicate.