VT Toddler Fighting Rare Disorder

By Tyler Dumont / WCAX.com

ST. ALBANS, Vt. - An extremely rare disorder threatens the life of a young Vermonter.

One-year-old Korbin Wooton of St. Albans was just diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome earlier this month. The rare neurological disorder targets the brain and other organs as it makes Korbin's body think it's fighting a congenital infection when there isn't one. Walking and language skills have gone in reverse; he is unable to sit up on his own and his legs are becoming stiff. It's led to a dark road with a destination still unknown.

"It's been a very long process -- watching your child fall apart in front of your eyes. And you can't do anything to help but love him and just give him the best quality of life that we can," said Ashlee Wootton, Korbin's mom.

The syndrome is so rare, it's exact prevalence is unknown. Korbin is currently on over half a dozen medications and continues to see doctors in Boston and here in Vermont.

Watch the interview