Galactosemia Family Story: Allison and Brooks 

Galactosemia Family Story: Allison and Brooks Woodfin
Allison Woodfin told the story of her son Brooks, who was diagnosed days after birth with classic galactosemia. Allison described the shock of hearing the news that her seemingly healthy baby had jaundice and liver damage, possible infection, blood clotting issues, and abnormal blood sugar levels. Brooks needed intensive, team-based care to recover from the initial neonatal crisis.
Once stabilized, the health care professionals told Allison that all you need to do is stick to the dietary restrictions, and Brooks will be fine. Allison emphasized that this is not the case. “Dietary restrictions is not a treatment. It is the bare minimum. All our bodies naturally produce [galactose]. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the ability to break it down.”