Check out these Williams Syndrome news features.
Edina teen lives 'big dream' alongside teammates despite rare genetic disorder
Fri, October 18, 2024 (all day)
John Liddicoat lives with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that impacts many parts of the body, including cognitive delay, speech and motor skills.
From Kare11.com
Milton girl navigates life with rare genetic condition characterized by being very friendly, trusting
Wed, January 18, 2023 (all day)
A Milton couple knew their youngest daughter was experiencing some learning and developmental delays growing up, but they didn't know why until about three years ago. That's when Alyssa Okeyo was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition known as Williams syndrome. Check out their story.
Philadelphia #WalkForWilliams 2019
Country Music and Brain Research Come Together at Nashville Summer Camp
Mon, July 31, 2017
Nashville Public Radio produced a story about the the Vanderbilt University program supported by CMA's Living Lives program and it ran on All Things Considered July 31, 2017.
Understanding Williams Syndrome: Genetic condition brings host of medical problems but also unlimited capacity to love
Thu, July 27, 2017
WGN-TV in Chicago ran an insensitive and uninformed piece on Williams syndrome. Several parents rallied and reached out to them demanding an apology (which the news station offered) but also requested that they do a story that would reflect Williams syndrome realistically, which they did. It aired July 27, 2017. The power of community!
Hundreds Walk for Williams While Honoring Boy Killed in School Shooting
Sat, May 20, 2017
May 20, 2017, the Walk for Williams annual event in Santa Monica held special meaning, as it was dedicated to Jonathan Martinez, who was shot in a school shooting the month before. ED Terry Monkaba walked with his grieving parents and family, who were dedicated to allowing WS to be promoted in his name to raise awareness. Local television affiliates came out to film the more than 500 supporters.
Maple Grove Boy's Love Of Vacuums Is Infectious
Fri, May 19, 2017 (all day)
When WCCO went out to spend some time at Ben Liestman's house, it took about two seconds to figure out he is not shy.
Courtesy of WCCO-TV.
Maple Grove boy with rare syndrome has unusual love: 'All vacuums, all the time'
Mon, May 15, 2017
The newspaper ran a story about six year old Ben Liestman, who has a charming fascination with vacuum cleaners.
Unlikely Relationship Provides Inspiration for NC Central's Moton
Mon, February 18, 2013
North Carolina Central head basketball coach LeVelle Moton has made plenty of friends during his basketball career, but it's a young woman he met off the court who inspires him the more than most.
Women and Girls Lead: Austin - Amy Koch
Wed, February 6, 2013
Amy was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, a cognitive disability, when we she was 24. Her outlook on life is straightforward but universal: “Be proud of who you are” and “don’t let people stop you from trying.” She is a graduate of Project SEARCH at Seton Healthcare Family, a best practice for hiring individuals with developmental disabilities.
Super-social gene may hold clues to autism, other disorders
Tue, October 25, 2011
"Those with Williams syndrome have a distinctive pattern of intellectual peaks and valleys, including low IQs, developmental delays and learning disabilities, all coupled with a rich, imaginative capacity for language — and those exuberantly social personalities.
Researchers have puzzled over that extreme friendliness for decades, pondering the causes and complicated traits that go with the syndrome that affects 1 in every 10,000 people, says Ursula Bellugi, a researcher at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, Calif., who has studied the disorder for a quarter-century.
They've come to believe that Williams syndrome, which is characterized by unique genetic markers and distinct behaviors, may actually hold the secrets to understanding other better-known disorders — including autism." Read more.
