Who is Tom 

         My brother Tom is currently eight years old and was diagnosed with GSD type 1b when he was eight months old. We live by the clock in our home. My parents need to feed Tom a cornstarch mixture through a tube in his stomach every three hours to maintain his blood sugar. They cannot miss a feeding, oversleep through an alarm, or leave the house without his tube and cornstarch ever, or the consequences would be catastrophic for him. He also has been hospitalized many times over the years since any stomach bug or bad infection can lead to days in the hospital. They care for him while trying to also keep up with me and my siblings, and our busy schedules. My oldest Brother James just graduated from Dartmouth College, I am currently a student at Elon University, and my younger sister Addie is still in high school. 
         Tom was also diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 and has trouble communicating his needs. He goes to a specialized school and receives ABA therapy at home. This adds another level of difficulty with trying to monitor his medical needs because he cannot communicate when he doesn't feel well, or something is wrong. 
         Through all of his struggles, he is a very happy child. He loves to travel, play outside, and feed our yellow lab Midas all his leftovers. A cure for GSD1b will help him enjoy a life free of feedings and hospitalizations, and allow everyone in my house to get a full night's sleep.