KIWANIS CLUB
Club hears program on galactosemic
BY JUDY GARNER

Kellie Wilcox, one of the club's newest members, provided the Feb. 5 program on classic galactosemia which is a rare genetic metabolic disorder. She shared with the club how galactosemia touched her life and how her two-year-old son, Paden lives with the illness on a daily basis.

The child with classic galactosemia inherits a gene from both of its parents. Normally when lactose is consumed the body breaks to lactose down into galactose and glucose. Glucose is the sugar used by the body for energy. Galactosemia means too much galactose in the blood caused by the individual "missing" the enzyme known as GALT to convert galactose in glucose. Mrs. Wilcox stressed the importance of diet and how many foods, not just milk, contains galactose.

Mrs. Wilcox is one of the founders of Galactosemic Families of the Southern States(GFSS) whose mission is to provide support and community for individuals and families affected by galactosemia and support education and research for the treatment or cure. For more information please visit www.galactosemiasupport.org.

Kelley Garner, president, presided at the meeting. Visitor, Janet Cavazoz was welcomed. There was a short discussion on the Karing for Kids Health Fair that was to be held Saturday, Feb. 9. Judy Garner said that area scouts would be involved during the day which will help them earn a merit badge.

The club is sponsoring the Culpepper and Merrieweather Circus, Friday, March 21.

The Rusk Kiwanis Club would like to invite everyone to join them for lunch on Tuesdays at noon at the Southern Cherokee Federal Credit Union. For more information about the club or service project contact Kelley Garner, 903-683-2414.