Logan Pacl stands out among teenagers. At 17, he faces a rare illness known as Sanfilippo syndrome. Often called “childhood Alzheimer’s,” this cruel disorder gradually takes away a child’s cognitive skills, mirroring the effects of Alzheimer’s in older people. But he keeps fighting and uses social media to spread awareness about his condition.
At first, everything seemed normal.
Logan Pacl’s life is a battle against time. Diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome, often known as “childhood Alzheimer’s,” the 17-year-old from Silverdale faces a relentless genetic disorder that viciously strips away the very essence of childhood. Caused by a single defective gene, this neurodegenerative disease attacks the brain and spinal cord, leaving behind a cruel wake of lost abilities, seizures, and constant pain. It’s a ticking time bomb, as most children with this terminal illness don’t survive beyond their mid-teens.
For Logan’s family, the heartbreak began early. Born in 2007 with his twin brother Austin, Logan seemed like any other healthy baby. Both boys hit their developmental milestones—until Logan began to fall behind. A year in, the red flags emerged: while Austin was speaking, Logan remained silent. The difference between the brothers grew, signaling the start of a devastating journey.
Sanfilippo syndrome doesn’t just rob children of their future—it erases their past.
Then the news of the diagnosis hit the parents, something no one could have anticipated.
As Logan’s condition worsened, with chronic infections and a noticeably swollen belly, Noelle and William were left searching for answers. In January 2010, they learned that Logan had Sanfilippo syndrome, a terminal illness with no cure or treatment, and a life expectancy that typically extends only into the late teens. “I’ll never forget the day we got the phone call. The genetic counselor on the other end went on and on, and all I thought was, well get to the part on how we fix this. Then she said it, ’This disease is terminal, and there is no cure or treatment,’” his parents recall.
Noelle recalled her initial reaction, grappling with the news that the disease was terminal. The weight of the diagnosis was overwhelming, leaving her with a heart that felt as though it had dropped into her stomach. The severity of the situation rendered her unable to process much beyond the devastating reality.
Noelle described the experience of mourning not just the child she had but the life she had envisioned for him, a life that was abruptly stolen away. The medical advice they received was minimal and unhelpful, simply advising them to take Logan home and cherish their time with him. This lack of concrete guidance only deepened their sense of helplessness.
In their search for hope, Noelle and William discovered an experimental stem cell transplant through online research. Inspired by the success of another mother’s child, they decided to pursue the same treatment for Logan. So, Pacl went through a tough three-month treatment that was basically a bone marrow transplant. He had to endure chemotherapy to wipe out his immune system so it could accept the new stem cells. It was a risky procedure, but it seems to have helped with some of Logan’s physical symptoms.
His mother uses social media to spread awareness about his condition.
At 17, Logan’s life is very different from that of most teenagers. Losing his ability to speak at a young age was tough for him and his family, but over time, he’s become more easygoing. “Life with Logan is anything but typical. Each day is a battle to maintain the skills he still has,” his mother Noelle said.
Since 2020, Noelle has been a vocal advocate for Sanfilippo syndrome, using TikTok to share her family’s story. Her videos have reached a global audience, raising awareness about the disorder and encouraging other parents to seek early diagnosis for their children.
Although Logan’s future is uncertain, the Pacl family is committed to making the most of their time together. Noelle and William used to avoid thinking about what lies ahead, but now they focus on cherishing every moment with Logan and ensuring he enjoys his time to the fullest. Noelle notes that among Sanfilippo parents, there’s a bit of a joke that all their children seem like siblings, sharing similar features like bushy eyebrows, a low nasal bridge, and large, round stomachs.
Even with the demands of caring for Logan, Noelle keeps life as normal as possible for Logan’s siblings, Austin and Aidyn. She acknowledges that having a brother with special needs can bring its own set of benefits.
As for sharing Logan’s journey online, Noelle remains thoughtful about what she posts. While she plans to continue sharing, she’s careful to respect her family’s privacy. “We just live in the moment,” his mother said. “And if something comes up, and we’re like, we can make that, we’ll do it.”
People in comments react differently.
Mostly people express support and empathy.
- You take the most wonderful care of him. You are the greatest mom. © lauralang1108 / Instagram
But some show a bit of skepticism.
- Genuine question, what is your plan when you are gone? © devin_abq.505 / Instagram
- I just wanna know why it’s necessary. People have to publicize their children’s conditions. Why do people think that we all wanna know what’s wrong with your child? I feel sorry for the parents, but I don’t know why you want to put this all out there. I’m sure you have support group publicizing putting your child out there like this. © marlawomble / Instagram
Today, conversations about living with disabilities are becoming more open, especially on social media. Celebrities are sharing their experiences as parents of children with special needs, helping to normalize these discussions and inspire others. This shift fosters understanding and empathy, creating a more inclusive environment for everyone.
My Husband’s Adult Kids Came to Our Honeymoon Demanding We Give Them Our Villa – They Got a Lesson in Respect
My husband’s children hate me. They always have and always will, but fortunately, my husband took my side when he saw how cruel they were to me. He taught them a valuable lesson, which eventually made them apologize and rebuild our relationships.
Two adults making faces | Source: FreePik
My husband, Jack, is the dad of three kids over 21 years old. He was devastated when I met him two years after his wife passed away. He became a father at an early age and, sadly, also became a widower after a few years. About a year after we met, he introduced me to his kids, and we absolutely didn’t get along.
A sad man praying | Source: FreePik
I understood why they were apprehensive about my relationship with their father, who is ten years my junior. He is 43 and I am 53. We have known each other for over nine years and have been engaged for four years. Throughout the stages of our relationship, not once did his children make me feel accepted.
Two girls talking about something | Source: Pexels
I didn’t move in with their family until all of his kids were out of the house. When the time finally came for me to move in, I had fewer interactions with them as they went to college. Still, whenever we were together, they would talk about their mom and made sure I felt like an intruder in their family. This was despite me telling them that I was not trying to replace their mother.
A thinking woman in her 50s | Source: FreePik
When Jack proposed, his children started disrespecting me even more, but behind Jack’s back. I didn’t tell him because I didn’t want them to argue. I was well aware that their family had gone through so much already, especially Jack, who had to raise his kids singlehandedly for years.
Jack felt he had to fill in the hole their mother left. So he worked twice as hard to provide his children with a luxurious life, even after they moved out of the house.
Tired man thinking by the sea | Source: Pexels
Anyway, we had our wedding a few weeks back. It was a small civil ceremony and his children did not attend, claiming they all had other important commitments. Since it was a small event, we did not mind. We decided to go all out and spend more on our honeymoon, which we took in the Bahamas.
A view of the Bahamas shores | Source: Pexels
Two days after we landed, ALL of his kids appeared. “Daddy, we missed you so much!” they said. Another whispered in my ear, “You thought you got rid of US, huh?!” Although taken aback by their arrival, we still gave them a tour and showed them our villa. I tried to be nice and ordered them snacks. Meanwhile, Jack got beverages for everyone.
A woman swimming in a pool | Source: Pexels
I never thought they would ruin my honeymoon, but I almost fell when one of his kids told me, “You, 58-year-old OLDIE! Still want a fairytale? This villa is too luxurious for you. We’ll take this one, and you can get that small bungalow.”
I calmly told them, “Guys, please don’t ruin this for your father and I. Please just give us this honeymoon and don’t cause a scene. I’m begging you.”
A woman begging | Source: FreePik
“We will never give you a taste of happiness. You do not deserve our dad, and you definitely do not deserve this luxurious villa. So beat it!” one of them replied.
And then we heard a glass smash to the floor; Jack was standing a few feet from the door, purple with rage.
“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” he screamed. It was a voice I had never heard before; one that was so angry that it stunned his kids into silence.
An angry man | Source: Pexels
“I have given you everything, supported you financially, and this is how you repay me? Disrespecting my wife? And on our honeymoon no less,” Jack exclaimed.
They started to stammer excuses, but Jack cut them off. “Enough! I have had it with your entitled behavior. You think you can come here and demand anything? Did you really think I did not know about your behavior towards my wife? I turned a blind eye, hoping each time that you all would change. This ends now.”
An angry man | Source: Pexels
He pulled out his phone and made a call. Within minutes, the villa’s security arrived. “Escort them out. They are no longer welcome here,” he said.
The security guards led his kids away, their faces a mix of shock and humiliation. They protested, but Jack stood firm. “You will not disrespect my wife or me ever again. Consider this your lesson in respect and a wake-up call,” he added before telling them that he would also cut all their credit cards.
A security guard walking a hallway | Source: Pexels
Jack wasted no time. He immediately called the bank and cut off their financial support, forcing them to stand on their own feet for the first time. He made it clear that their behavior had consequences and that they needed to learn responsibility and respect.
A couple hugging | Source: FreePik
The next few months were tough. For many years, they relied on their credit cards to enjoy life. Without it, they struggled, but eventually started to understand the value of hard work and respect.
One evening, we received a call from all his kids. “Dad, I’m sorry,” they all said, their voices filled with genuine remorse. “We were wrong. Can we start over?”
Jack looked at me, tears in his eyes. “Of course,” he replied, his voice cracking. “We can always start over.”
A man on the phone | Source: Pexels
And so, slowly but surely, they rebuilt their relationship. Jack’s decisive actions during our honeymoon not only protected our special time but also taught his kids a lesson they would never forget. It was a hard journey, but in the end, it brought us all closer together.
Jack’s kids are not the only ones who learned a lesson after a wedding. A bride’s mother also realized a valuable lesson after her daughter tied the knot.
My Narcissistic Mom Made My Wedding All about Her — When She Insisted on Displaying Her Portrait, I Snapped
I’ve never been the type to go against my parents’ wishes. Growing up, I was always the good kid, the one who did everything to make them happy. My mom, especially, loved being in control of everything – from my birthday parties to my graduation dinners. Sometimes, it felt like she was the one turning a year older or getting a diploma.
A woman carrying a birthday cake | Source: Pexels
But my wedding day was different. This was one day I wanted to be completely mine, without my mom’s interference. Of course, that didn’t last long. It started with her insisting I wear her veil – the same one she wore when she married my dad.
A bride holding white flowers | Source: Pexels
To be honest, I didn’t mind that. The veil was a family tradition, beautiful and intricately detailed, and it had been tailored and improved with each generation. I was happy to wear it on my special day.
A bride with her hands together | Source: Pexels
As the wedding preparations went on, though, my mom tried to control every little decision. A few days before the wedding, I sent her a picture of a memorial table I had set up for my late cousin and dad.
Wedding table setup | Source: Freepik
My cousin was like the older brother I never had, and my dad treated him like a son. We were incredibly close, and losing them both was devastating. I loved the idea of having a table to honor them because it broke my heart that they couldn’t be there.
A woman crying in church | Source: Pexels
When my mom saw the picture, she freaked out. She was upset that she wasn’t included in that one thing. She insisted that I put a portrait of her on the table too.
“That’s literally a table for the fallen. It’s a military tradition,” I tried to explain. “It’s to commemorate those who have passed away and can’t be at my wedding.”
Screenshot of a conversation through text | Source: AmoMama
“You should be proud of me too!” she snapped back. “It’s disrespectful and selfish of you to exclude me. If you don’t put my portrait there, I won’t attend your wedding.”
Her words stung. I couldn’t believe she was making this all about her. That’s when I decided to show her what selfishness really looked like. After our heated back-and-forth, I decided to set up another memorial table just for her.
A woman thinking while on her phone | Source: Pexels
I printed out a framed photo of my mom, just as she demanded. Next to it, I added another picture – a screenshot of our text conversation where she insisted on having her portrait displayed and threatened not to come if I didn’t comply. Instead of the “I Wish You Were Here” sign that I had on the real memorial table, I wrote “You Wished to Be Here.”
Leave a Reply