DNA sequencing the answer to boys' mysterious disorder?

PEWAUKEE -- It is a journey that has put her in touch with doctors from around the world. On this Mother's Day, Mindy Brayman may be one step closer to solving the cause behind a disease that has crippled her two children, with the help of experts in her back yard.

Nine-year-old Jack and eight-year-old Todd suffer from a mysterious genetic disease, that has baffled doctors for years.  But new breakthroughs, specifically DNA sequencing, may help finally discover what is causing the children's brains to not communicate properly with the rest of their bodies. The two boys need 24/7 care.

Through a first-of-its-kind program at Children's Hospital and The Medical College of Wisconsin, the boys gave DNA samples, that will be tested and researched, hoping to find the gene that caused the problems.  With that information, their parents hope they can narrow in on treatment.

"Low and behold Children's Hospital in Wisconsin was the first in the world to have a clinical whole genome sequencing, where you can actually go to the clinic and see someone, and find out about it. There have been a lot of unknowns, so we've kind of had to learn how to deal with unexpected things coming along," Brayman said.

DNA samples were sent out to labs in January, and the family may get results back in the next few months.

In the meantime, the family is holding a fundraiser for the Medical College of Wisconsin's DNA sequencing program.  Money raised will go to help the boys and other families with medical mysteries.

The fundraiser is a golf outing and dinner on May 21st at the Legend of Brandybrook in Wales. 

CLICK HERE for more information on the fundraiser, and to make a donation.

CLICK HERE for more information on the Medical College of Wisconsin's DNA sequencing via the Human and Molecular Genetics Center.