Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a terrible disease – but tell that to Ethan Jeffcoat, who spent his latest birthday playing with a python, alligator and more!
ALD is a brain disorder that destroys myelin, the protective sheath that surrounds the brain’s neurons. The most common symptoms tend to be behavioral changes such as withdrawal or aggression, bad memory, and poor school performance. Other symptoms include vision loss, learning disabilities, seizures, poorly articulated speech and more. Life expectancy is not long, 1-10 years.
Ethan was only given 6 months – which makes his 15th birthday such a milestone!
As reported by the Napa Valley Register, this California teen is an avid animal lover, so his family couldn’t think of better birthday guests than three baboons, two monkeys, an albino python and an alligator.
And while Ethan can’t communicate, walk or smile anymore – he can feel, hear, and – as evidenced by his reaction to Mickey the baboon – see.
And I think I speak for most of us when I say you couldn’t get me anywhere NEAR an alligator or python, so hats off to Ethan for his unabashed coolness!
The company that provided the animals is Wild About Monkeys, a company that produces live animal shows and works with the entertainment industry. Ethan always loved zoos and animals, so it seemed like a slam dunk birthday party.
Ethan’s family also invited two other ALD families, including a 17-year-old boy who was diagnosed not long after Ethan and the mother of a boy who died from ALD in 2012. Between them and Ethan’s family and friends, about 50 people showed up to help celebrate his big 1-5; although most of the guests kept their distances from these animals. Wimps!
And now that Ethan has defied the odds, how does his family plan to top themselves for Ethan’s 16th birthday? According to his mother, Robyn:
“I always tell my friends that if Ethan is still here for his 16th birthday, I’m bringing the Muppets. I’m serious.”
A little less dangerous, a lot cooler – but even the Muppets aren’t as impressive as Ethan.
Happy birthday from all of us at Patient Worthy, Ethan!
Check out the pictures from this awesome party here.
