Derec Bogue
Derec Bogue is a shy 5 year old little boy who was born with the mutated Cx32 Gene which causes him to have a very rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease type X (CMTX). While many people are diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Form X, Derec is one of six people in the world that we know of with this form of CMTX that effects both nervous systems and the only one that is a child. It has taken Derec’s family five years to find a true diagnosis and we are now in search of more knowledge, research and a cure
At a young age, Derec experienced a lot of stroke-like symptoms which we now know were caused by childhood vaccinations that stimulated his undiagnosed disease. Since then, the disease has affected his nervous system. Derec is unable to walk, his speech is impaired, and he lacks sensation in his feet, legs, hands and arms.
Derec's form Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease type X causes him to be the only child to have brain abnormalities where the protective white matter around his brain has not developed completely and it is unknown when or if this will develope over time. The abnormal White Matter is in the area of Derec's Brain that effects his balance, tremors and abnormal eye movement. Derec is hard working and committed to his speech, physical, and occupational therapies.
CMTX not only affects your peripheral nerves which cause the mylin around nerves to degenerate but also goes into the central nervous system causing stroke-like episodes to occur. Unable to control these episodes, they become setbacks for Derec that detract from the accomplishments that he has to work so hard to achieve.
Despite all the challenges Derec and his family have faced in his five years of life, he is always has a smile. Derec’s disease has not slowed his ambition, he began mainstream kindergarten this year and has become one of the most popular kids at his school. Derec has a normal IQ of a child his age and understands that he is unique..
Take a look at Derec's Web Page