The Acid Maltase Deficiency Association was established in 1995 to assist in funding research and to promote public awareness of Pompe disease. Pompe disease is one of a family of 49 rare genetic disorders known as Lysosomal Storage Diseases or LSDs. Pompe disease is also known as Acid Maltase Deficiency or Glycogen Storage Disease type II. It affects an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 people in the developed world.
WHY THE AMDA WAS FORMED
The founders of the organization became dedicated to finding answers to their questions after their daughter was diagnosed with Pompe disease at the age of twelve. Although she had many medical problems starting in early childhood, it was very difficult to find a proper diagnosis for her symptoms.
This is often the case with delayed onset patients whose symptoms and progression vary. They were eventually led in the right path by a relative, a pediatrician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Following extensive testing and a muscle biopsy, she was diagnosed with Pompe disease.
The prognosis was dire. The parents were told that the disease was progressive, that there was no treatment or cure, and that their daughter would only live to the second decade.
At that time there was minimal information available about Pompe disease, and the parents were uncertain about how much time Tiffany had. After months of investigation, however, they found that several major medical centers in the United States and in Europe were working on enzyme and gene replacement therapy for Pompe disease.
Today, there is hope for Tiffany’s future. She participated in a clinical trial for enzyme replacement therapy and continues to receive this therapy. Enzyme replacement therapy has “given her her life back.”
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
To further research into Pompe Disease, as well as support Pompe patients around the world, private funds must be raised. If you are interested in learning more about Pompe Disease and would like to make a contribution in support of necessary research, please contact us at:
AMDA (Acid Maltase Deficiency Association)
P.O. Box 700248
San Antonio, Texas 78270-0248
Phone: 210-494-6144
Fax: 210-490-7161
Email: TiffanyLHouse@aol.com