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

To connect PKU families and individuals with the support and resources they need to manage PKU and live healthy, productive lives.

•   •   •   •   •   •   •   •   •   •   •   •   •  •   •   •   •

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

Shiela Ryan
Vice President
Aunt to Jacob Cheek (Classical PKU)
Macon, GA
shiela@georgiapku.org

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

Steve Hunt
Treasurer
Grandparent of Lucas Brotherton (Classical PKU)
Atlanta, Georgia
steve@georgiapku.org

Anna Parker
Member
(Classical PKU)
Ringgold,Georgia
anna@georgiapku.org

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

Fred Jewell
Member
Business Representative

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.