Seven-year-old Grayson Cronin is in a race against time as he fights a rare genetic disease and he needs the community’s help.

While his fellow Hesse Elementary School classmates are back in school this week, Grayson is in Minnesota preparing for a potentially life-saving procedure. He was recently diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), which primarily affects boys, and, if left untreated, deteriorates the brain rapidly and ultimately leads to a vegetative state. The subject of the 1992 film "Lorenzo's Oil," ALD typically claims a diagnosed boy's life within 10 years of diagnosis. 

Grayson’s grandmother, Leigh Griner, recently set up a GoFundMe, “Help Grayson’s Fight Against ALD,” at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-graysons-fight-against-ald . Right now, Grayson is with his father, Jon Cronin, in Minneapolis, MN, waiting for a bone marrow transplant. 

“There is still a long road ahead, but we are thankful for all the love and support we have been shown,” Jon Cronin said. “It really does take a village sometimes.”

Grayson's brain MRI revealed that he has cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, the most severe form of ALD. If he doesn't receive the necessary treatment soon, he could lose his vision, hearing, and eventually all motor function over the next six months to several years. His grandmother explained, "We are pursuing a potentially life-saving bone marrow transplant via the University of Minnesota. While that process is expected to be approved and covered by insurance, there will be many uncovered costs, such as experimental drugs and nutritional supplements, in addition to travel and lodging during his treatment and recovery periods. We are also exploring other options within and outside of the U.S., including gene therapy and supplemental medications, such as Lorenzo's Oil, that can help slow down the progression of the disease in the meantime. Donations of any amount are appreciated.”

Grayson's brother, Nathan, has also been diagnosed with ALD, but he does not need any other treatment at this time. "Nathan had a beautiful, perfect brain MRI, and he will be rechecked every six months," Mrs. Griner said. The diagnosis for both of her two youngest grandsons occurred when Nathan, age eight, became very ill following a stomach virus and had to be hospitalized and thoroughly evaluated. Shortly after that, the Griner/Cronin family got the devastating news that Nathan and his younger brother, Grayson, both have X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, as well as Addison's Disease. However, Addison's can be well-controlled with medication and careful monitoring.

Mrs. Griner added, "I also ask for prayer and encouragement for my son, Jonathan, who is a single father to Grayson and Nathan. We are thankful that Jonathan can work remotely, but life has been emotionally overwhelming, and his work has suffered. So, I want to do anything possible to lighten his load in the upcoming months of treatments and uncertainties."

ABOUT ALD: ALD is a genetic disease that most severely affects boys. Without treatment, ALD ultimately leads to a vegetative state, typically claiming boys' lives within 10 years of diagnosis. Caused by a defective gene on the X chromosome, ALD triggers a build-up of fatty acids that damage the protective myelin sheaths of the brain's neurons, leading to cognitive and motor impairment. The most devastating form of the disease is cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CALD), marked by loss of myelin and brain inflammation. For more information about ALD, please go to https://www.childrenshospital.org/programs/gene-therapy-program/conditions-we-treat/ald .