Family Stories – Congratulations on the Graduations!

May 29, 2025 • Family Stories, From the G1DF

by G1DF Board Member Kelly Jones

Each year, high school and college graduates look towards the future as they celebrate their momentous achievement. Their parents and families hold a sense of pride as they celebrate their graduates. So much hard work goes into receiving that diploma. As a GLUT1 parent, I know first-hand just how much hard work our patients put in on a daily basis. Things that come naturally to most people are more difficult to achieve. When their peers were outside playing after school, our kids were in Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy working on their skills. There are so many “extras” that most kids don’t ever have to think about: Gait Trainers, Wheelchairs, Ankle-Foot Orthoses, Helmets, Assistive Communication Devices, Individualized Education Plans, Gastronomy Tubes, Ketogenic Diets, Weighted Lap Pads, School Health Plans, and School Aides. Aside from growing up and entering puberty, most of our kids will experience new GLUT1 symptoms while navigating life as a middle schooler and high schooler. GLUT1 patients will persevere through the “extras” that life throws at them and exemplify why they are all my heroes. Watching all of these kids grow up has been an absolute privilege and I am bursting with pride for all of their achievements.

At this time, I would like to introduce the graduates of the Class of 2025!

Landon Parker Chinault lives in Springboro, Ohio, and was diagnosed in 2009. He recently graduated from Springboro High School. His expectation is to become a YouTube star while driving his parents insane. His reality is attending TLC at the Warren County Educational Service Center while driving his parents insane because he would rather focus on becoming a YouTube star.

Reece Jones lives in Rancho Cordova, California, and was diagnosed in 2015. He will graduate from George Washington Carver School of Arts and Science in Sacramento, California. Reece will be attending Cosumnes River College to pursue his A.A. Degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Shane Kirk lives in Keller, Texas. He is graduating from Central High School. Shane plans to attend a transition program to help him with job training skills. He was diagnosed with GLUT1 in 2017.

Kyle Reeves, along with twin sister Alena, lives in Vacaville, California and will graduate from Vanden High School in Vacaville. Kyle was diagnosed with GLUT1 just prior to his 12th birthday in 2018. He and his sister both plan to attend community college in the Fall.

Allison Ruggiero lives in Pines Lake, New Jersey and was diagnosed with GLUT1 when she was 11 years old. Allison is graduating from Wayne Hills High School in Wayne, New Jersey. She is planning to attend William Paterson University in the Fall. Allison also plans to take the state Para Professional exam.

Claire Wray currently resides in Tucson, Arizona. She recently graduated from the University of Arizona and received her second Bachelor’s Degree. Claire graduated Cum Laude in Deaf Studies. Her plans are to continue her education and she will be pursuing her Master’s Degree in Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Abby York lives in Oktaha, Oklahoma. She is a recent graduate of Oktaha High School. Abby was diagnosed with GLUT1 at the age of 6 in 2012. In the Fall, Abby plans to attend Ozark Christian College online for an Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry Degree. She will also be a volunteer at Oktaha Schools during the school year.

Brayden Young lives in Lufkin, Texas. He is a graduating Central ISD Bulldog. Brayden was diagnosed with GLUT1 at the age of 7. Next year, he plans to take a year sabbatical to possibly go on a cruise to the South Pole and attend some LSU football games. After that, he plans to major in Biology with a minor in Zoology.