Mark Rickman was diagnosed with Batten Disease when he was four. Batten's Disease is a rare and fatal neurological illness. His younger brother James was diagnosed after Mark. The disease slowly takes away the abilities for the body to function. Mark had lost his ability totalk, feed himself, or walk. The disease has no cure and is always fatal. James has been diagnosed with the disease but has not started to show symptoms. Eventually he will follow his brother in the disease.
James eat his breakfast while their father feed Mark.
He has to wear a helmet to help protect him in case of seizures.
Carol helps James in the morning before school, while Mark plays on the floor.
James gets his hair brushed before school.
James rides his tricycle around his brother while they wait for their school bus.
James looks out the window as the bus take him and his brother to school.
Mark sits in the classroom while his classmates dance to some music.
Mark's teacher works with him during class.
James keeps checking the door to see if his brother has come into the lunchroom.
James give Mark a big hug when he sees him in the lunchroom.
Dave reads to his sons before bed time.
Carol is exhausted after a long day with the boys. Dave changes Mark before bed.
"I have to hold him tight every night so he can fall asleep. I just sing to him so he can get some sleep."