1. WISHES FOR WILSON’S January 2015

2. WHAT IS WILSON’S DISEASE  Genetic disorder, where both parents are carriers in order to develop the disorder  Caused by excessive copper in the body (liver and brain)  1 in every 15,000 individuals worldwide (approximately 20,000 in the US)  Typically diagnosed in adolescence to early adulthood (median age 17)  Fatal if left undiagnosed and untreated  Lifetime medical treatment (multiple times a day; extremely expensive – approximately $300 per pill)  Removal of copper from the body  Nutrition/diet  Speech, occupational (fine motor), and physical therapy (gross motor)

3. SYMPTOMS: HOW I THINK, FEEL, AND ACT  Shaky  Unbalanced  Cramping and stiffening of muscles  Drooling and slurring of speech  Headaches  Trouble sleeping  Forgetful  Confused  Tired  Mood swings  Sad  Anxious  Impulsive reactions to situations  Judgment and decision making can be challenging  Quickly agitated

4. WISHES FOR WILSON’S  Wishing wells will be placed in homerooms  Collection of PENNIES for 2 weeks  Pizza party!