Georgia PKU Connect was founded in 2008 by three mothers, each with a child born with Phenylketonuria (PKU). Support for the organization was cultivated through an online, Georgia focused PKU Yahoo Group and the inspirational spirit of Emory University’s Metabolic Nutrition Team. The successful launch of Georgia PKU Connect can also be attributed to the positive energy and contributions of local families and adults with PKU!

Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic metabolic disorder. Individuals with PKU cannot process the amino acid phenylalanine, which is present in most foods. Without treatment, phenylalanine builds up in the bloodstream and causes severe neurological complications, including mental retardation. The standard treatment consists of a strict diet very low in phenylalanine and daily consumption of special formula containing life sustaining nutrition. If the diet is consistently and strictly maintained, individuals with PKU will develop normally. Continued research is needed to ease the difficulty of the diet and improve the quality of life for all individuals living with PKU!

For additional, comprehensive information on PKU, please visit: http://www.newbornscreening.info/Parents/aminoaciddisorders/PKU.html

Our Mission

Georgia PKU Connect, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of Georgia's Phenylketonuria (PKU) community. Our mission is to support individuals and families through camaraderie, education, advocacy and research.

Our Guiding Principles

• Strengthen and support the Georgia PKU community by reaching out to as many individuals, families and organizations as possible
• Serve individuals with PKU regardless of age or level of treatment
• Collaborate with medical professionals and nonprofit organizations sharing our mission
• Raise funds for educational initiatives, research programs, and community building activities
• Advocate for affecting persons and families for coverage of required treatments
• Increase public awareness of PKU and other inherited metabolic disorders
• Participate in the development of educational materials and assist in their distribution
• Support the newborn screening recommendation of the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG)

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Kristen Vanags
President and Founding Member
Parent of Joseph Vanags (Classical PKU)
Atlanta, Georgia
kristen@georgiapku.org

Julie Cheek
Secretary and Founding Member
Parent of Jacob Cheek (Classical PKU)
Augusta, Georgia
julie@georgiapku.org

Scott Vanags
Treasurer
Parent of Joseph Vanags (Classical PKU)
Atlanta, Georgia
scott@georgiapku.org

Download a copy of Georgia PKU Connect By-Laws
Download a copy of Georgia PKU Connect’s Organizational Summary

For questions or more info, click here to send us an email.