Teen raises awareness for rare genetic disorder

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Colorado teenager is making her way around the Wilmington community to spread awareness for her rare genetic disorder.

Ellie White suffers from Wolfram Syndrome which is linked to diabetes. Its symptoms include vision and hearing loss, life-threatening respiratory problems, and has an average life expectancy of 30 years.

Wednesday night, she and her family hosted their 5th annual Wilmington Benefit Dinner at Manna restaurant in downtown Wilmington. Money raised will go to the Ellie White Foundation which provides backs scientists who study the disorder.

“It will just help limit the struggle that we go through every day and night,” White said. “It never stops. I really feel like there’s gonna be a cure soon and I’m really hopeful.”

Ellie said for her, failure is not an option and she will keep raising money and spreading the word, to find a cure.

“I try to seem as normal as I can,” White said. “There’s some things that kind of get in my way, but I try not to let it. I just try to push through.”

CLICK HERE TO VISIT HER FOUNDATION’S WEBSITE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT HER CAUSE.