You know how that saying goes: “All that glitters is not gold.” Or maybe, “too much of a good thing can make you sick.”
Both apply to the metal copper.
Copper is a fairly common, pure natural element. When you think of it, you probably think of an old-timey penny, ancient coinage, pipping and circuitry.
But did you know that copper’s most important use is found within the human body?
Copper is essential to developing healthy bones and nerves—unless you’re like Hayden Roper who, in his words, has “heaps” of copper to spare.
The 28 year old is living with a rare condition known as Willson (or Wilson’s) disease.
With Wilson disease, the liver can no longer properly metabolize the copper that enters the body through food. Instead of letting loose the excess in bile, copper accumulates, damaging organs and neurological function.
This process can be treated and staunched when diagnosed early, but Roper, like many others, was not.
Thanks to genetic shenanigans, Roper has gone from a healthy guy with a love of football to being in a wheelchair within three years. All because of one little metal.
Now, as Roper describes it, his bright mind is trapped in a dulling body. And though he has improved since rougher days in his diagnosis, a cure is still a pipe dream.
So these days, Roper balances his time between doing what he can for his health—gym, hot pools, therapy—and doing what he can for his peace of mind.
Namely, getting people, like this reporter, to stop patronizing him!
Education about Wilson disease is sorely lacking. Misunderstandings abound and Roper has lost many friends as a result. By spreading the word, he hopes people will stop belittling him by “glittering” his symptoms.
He wants them to see the real gold—his quick wit and fun, sociable personality—underneath.
If you suspect you have Wilson disease in your family, remember that early diagnosis is key.
Many people live without any symptoms if they get the right treatment in time. To learn more, check out some of these resources:
