This weekend in Los Angeles, Abigail Villarreal, a recent graduate from Jefferson High School, is poised to receive a prestigious Youth National Award from the National Organization for Rare Disorders. Villarreal's journey, marked by her battle with phenylketonuria (PKU), has set her apart as an advocate for others living with rare diseases. She was nominated for her role in championing greater involvement and awareness among her peers. According to KENS 5, Villarreal expressed a mix of emotions about her upcoming award, saying, "I am excited... I am also nervous. I am scared. I just feel very grateful. Everything is falling into piece. It's just amazing."
The recognition will take place at the Rare Impact Awards® held at Universal Studios Hollywood on June 8th, an event to be hosted by NBC News' Peter Alexander. Alexander has a personal connection to the rare disease community through his sister, Rebecca, who suffers from Usher Syndrome type III. Attempting to emphasize the depth of his involvement, Alexander is set to host the ceremony for the second year in a row, bringing attention to the struggles faced by those like his sister, and now Villarreal, who strive to live beyond their limitations. In a statement obtained by the Rare Impact Awards, Alexander's role in the event underscores his deep commitment to rare disease advocacy.
Villarreal's own story is a testament to resilience. Diagnosed with PKU, a genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to process protein, she has to meticulously manage her diet, allowing herself only up to 45 grams of protein daily. In a KENS 5 interview, Villarreal explained, "Only able to take 45 grams of protein a day because with phenylketonuria, I can't process protein correctly having amino acid build up. So for you, you could probably have a 100 grams of protein a day, and my cutoff is 45." Despite the challenges, she has used her experiences to fuel her advocacy work, enlightening others about the realities of living with a disability.
In the face of adversity, including bouts of bullying throughout her schooling, Villarreal has chosen to channel her energy positively, aspiring to raise awareness and promote inclusivity. She told KENS 5, "I may not look like I am disabled. But, I am disabled in some ways. My biggest goal is how to get people to stop being so naïve and just accept that all of us are different." As she prepares to embark on her next educational journey, attending Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania with a focus on psychology and public health, Villarreal carries with her a message of empowerment for the rare disease community—a community soon to celebrate her achievements this weekend.
