Leah Calvert's Daughter Ali Simms Is Suffering From Titin Muscular Dystrophy
Leah Calvert and Corey Simms' daughter Ali has been diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, according to a recent episode.
Although the Teen Mom 2 stars were previously under the assumption hat Ali was suffering from Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, it was revealed on the season finale episode that what she is actually suffering from is Titin muscular dystrophy.
"This is a new gene, and in fact doctors throughout the world are just starting to learn about this gene mutation, which can affect the heart or breathing," Ali's doctor explained to Calvert and Simms.
Prior to the most-recent diagnosis, Calvert and Simms had been told that what Ali had was likely Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, which was a rare and severe form of muscular dystrophy which would eventually cause Ali to lose muscle strength and respiratory function.
However, after further testing, Ali received a new diagnosis, claiming what she had was known as Titin muscular dystrophy, a super-rare form of muscular dystrophy (there are currently less than 20 people in the world with the disorder), which, up until Ali's diagnosis, had only been found in adults.
According to Ali's doctor, she may develop respiratory difficulties and heart problems in the future, but the good news is that most people suffering from Titin muscular dystrophy live well into their fifties.