From Beast Games Champ to Rare Disease Warrior: Jeff Allen’s 365-Mile Ruck for His Son’s Creatine Transporter Deficiency

Once Upon A Gene

In this episode, Jeffrey Allen, a passionate advocate for rare disease awareness and a dedicated father to Lucas, who has creatine transporter deficiency.

(CTD is also referred to as SLC6A8 Deficiency, CRTR, and X-linked Creatine Transporter Deficiency.Mutations in the SLC6A8 gene result in CTD.While patients with CTD have the necessary AGAT and GAMT enzymes to form creatine, the creatine transporter does not function properly. This results in creatine in the bloodstream, but not in the brain and muscles.)

Jeffrey shares his journey of parenting a child with a rare disease, the life lessons he has learned from Lucas, and his experiences participating in the Ruck for Rare and the Beast Games. He emphasizes the importance of community support, advocacy, and the beauty found in challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of genetic testing and awareness for rare diseases, as well as the need for connection and communication among parents in similar situations.