Nick Wellner

In 2008, Nick’s parents noticed that his vision was becoming impaired. Nick was taken to the doctor to check on his vision and they realized that it was becoming progressively worse than they realized. Nick was eventually diagnosed with a late onset of Infantile Batten Disease. Those who develop Batten Disease early, like Nick, will have vision problems that progress to blindness and problems with mental functions that get worse. 

Nick has lost his vision and struggles with ADHD, bipolar and insomnia. His also struggles with severe memory lapses and seizures. As the disease progresses, Nick will lose short term and long term memory and will eventually lose his ability to move and walk. This form of Infantile Batten Disease is very rare and Nick’s life expectancy is late teens/early 20’s.


An interview with Nick's mother, Jill