Seven-year-old Jack Laidlaw, the oldest of three boys, is upbeat and friendly to everyone he meets, according to his parents, Anna and Richard Laidlaw. But Jack faces challenges due to a rare disorder he cannot yet comprehend. His parents are determined to remain hopeful and create a better future for him despite his diagnosis of hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4).
“We will do anything to get this cure for Jack.”
What is SPG4?
SPG4 is a rare, inherited, neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive muscle stiffness and weakness in the legs. More than half of individuals with SPG4 have weakness in the legs and a decreased ability to sense vibration at the ankles.
Anna, Jack and Richard Laidlaw, hold hands during their podcast interview. Photo: Bryan Goodchild
Brothers Jack, Scott and Tommy visit UMass Chan Medical School in 2024. Photo: Sarah Willey
Richard, Tommy, Jack, Anna and Scott Laidlaw. Photo provided by the Laidlaw family
Jack Photo: Bryan Goodchild
Jack wears a mask during a doctor’s visit. Photo provided by the Laidlaw family
Listen and subscribe to all episodes of Rare Diseases, Real Stories
Learn more about the Laidlaw family and their efforts to support SPG4 research.
SPG4 research and treatment for Jack
Additional information about Jack
To learn more about hereditary spastic paraplegia, patient advocacy and research, visit the following resources:
Boston Children’s Hospital, Spastic Paraplegia – Centers of Excellence Research Network
Spastic Paraplegia Foundation, Inc.
The Lilly and Blair Foundation
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#RareDiseasesRealStories, #RareDiseases, #podcast
