A new ale is hitting Doubleday’s and The Bit in Dobbs Ferry with a very special purpose. Named “Jacob the Warrior” IPA, this beer was created to raise awareness for the rare neurodevelopmental that impacts local 12-year-old Jacob Moon, Sanfilippo syndrome. As rare diseases already face low awareness, the goal of this new IPA is to educate people about the disease often referred to as “Children’s Alzheimer’s.”

“Jacob the Warrior”

Brewed by the award-winning brewery Wolf & Warrior, this beer has been described as “refreshingly tart.” It was created with Jacob’s favorite flavors in mind: blueberries and raspberries. In fact, Jacob was kept in mind for the entire process, as the goal is for customers to walk away with a delicious beer, Jacob’s story, and more knowledge on Sanfilippo syndrome.

The owner of Wolf & Warrior, Mike Chiltern, is a friend of Jacob’s father from childhood. After going their separate ways and following their own paths in life, they reunited after having children of their own. They bonded over this, alongside a love of beer. Another friend, Tim Durdaller, created the label.

Jacob’s father, Bill, is very grateful to his friends for helping him through this process, especially as it raises awareness for Sanfilippo syndrome. Beyond this, he hopes it brings in more customers to a local brewery and shares his son’s story.

You can find this beer at Wolf & Warrior, and it will soon be available in a four-pack in specialty beer stores. Visit the brewery or buy a pack to support Jacob, a local brewery, and Sanfilippo syndrome patients!

About Sanfilippo Syndrome

Sanfilippo syndrome, also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type III, is a disease in which the body cannot break down long chains of sugar molecules due to a lack of enzymes. These chains then accumulate, causing the symptoms of Sanfilippo syndrome. This syndrome comes in four forms: A, B, C, and D, with A being the most severe.

The onset of symptoms typically occurs about a year after birth, but they are most severe between the ages of two and six. Symptoms include:

• Developmental issues
• Behavioral and personality issues
• Coarse facial features
• Diarrhea
• Sleep difficulties
• Stiff joints that may not extend fully
• Walking problems

This syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning both parents must pass down the mutated gene in order for a child to be affected. Doctors will diagnose Sanfilippo syndrome through a urinalysis, blood or skin sample, or genetic testing. Enzyme replacement therapy has been shown to be effective in some forms of mucopolysaccharidosis, and treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Find the source article here.