Mission Viejo to Host Big WOW Walk for Wilson Disease

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. - Sept. 16, 2016 - PRLog -- The city of Mission Viejo is set to host The Big WOW, Walk on Wilson's (The Big WOW) to raise awareness of Wilson disease, a rare genetic disorder that leads to copper poisoning in the body, resulting in liver and neurologic disease. This will be the first time the city of Mission Viejo will participate in the nationwide walk.

The event will be held on Oct. 1, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and will start and end at Plaza Del Lago on the Lake. Participants will take a three-mile walk around Lake Mission Viejo and hear from guest speakers, including elected officials and renowned doctors of Neurology. There will be shopping and entertainment provided by local, family-friendly vendors. The guest list includes Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Bucknum. Plaza Del Lago will provide a light brunch following the walk. All are welcome to walk, including dogs.

The Big WOW was brought to Mission Viejo this year by Trisha Marzolo and her husband, Gary Marzolo. Mrs. Marzolo was a teacher in Mission Viejo for 18 years and has been teaching school in the city of Orange for the last 15. Mr. Marzolo is a teacher at Saddleback College and Capo Valley High School. The family aims to provide support to families affected by Wilson disease. Motivated by the death of her son, Patrick Melvin, Mrs. Marzolo inaugurated the first Big WOW for Orange County in partnership with The Big WOW, Wilson Disease Association (WDA) and Plaza Del Lago.

Patrick was only 35 when he died from Wilson disease. A son, brother, family-man, friend and father, Patrick was loved by many. When he passed in October 2015, hundreds of people offered support and condolences to the Marzolo family. Patrick was very involved in the Mission Viejo community and was known to his colleagues as the most loveable guy at his place of employment, QUALSPEC.

"We are grateful to do The Big WOW in memory of our son and to promote awareness of this disease," said Trish Marzolo.

One in 30,000 people are affected by Wilson disease. Untreated, Wilson disease is fatal. However, if diagnosed and treated early, people with Wilson disease can lead normal, productive and long lives.  Because it is so rare, Wilson disease is often and easily undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

"Our son did not have to die. We took him to the doctor frequently throughout the last 20 years. We now know he had symptoms of Wilson's in its early stages," said Marzolo.

The Big WOW, which falls on the one-year anniversary of Patrick's death, will not only raise awareness for Wilson disease, but will raise funds for WDA. WDA is an organization that funds research and facilitates and promotes the identification, education, treatment and support of patients and other individuals affected by Wilson disease.

The Marzolo family is happy to support WDA as they have personally benefited from the organization's efforts. Patrick received medication in 24 hours and months of grant assistance as a result of WDA coordinating with a grant company on the family's behalf. According to the family, Patrick's insurance company stopped paying for the medication needed for his survival. Allegedly, the coverage ceased because large pharmaceutical companies spiked up the price of his medication.

"I reached out to Wilson Disease Association on Dec. 23, 2014 and the medicine arrived on my doorstep the next day – Christmas Eve," said Marzolo.

There are currently only two medications that treat Wilson disease: Syprine and Cuprimine. An online article released this summer by Vanity Fair Hive stated that, "Syprine, which can be had for $1 a pill in some countries, now has a list price of around $300,000 for a year's supply in the United States; Cuprimine has seen a similar price increase. There is no generic version of either, in part because of a huge backlog for new drug approvals at the F.D.A."

Although the family is still devastated by the tragic loss, they acknowledge what they consider to be many miracles that happened during Patrick's journey and after his passing. Patrick was able to save the lives of more than five people by organ donation. His heart, kidneys, lungs, corneas and bone marrow were donated and put to use.

"We will have just spent our first year without our wonderful son on the day of this event. I am glad we get to share it with family, friends and community that has a desire to learn about Wilson's and help others in his memory. He is missed tremendously but has a story that gets to be shared with the hope that others will have a different ending," said Marzolo.

For more information on Patrick's story or to sign up for The Big WOW, visit http://www.wilsonswalk.org/.

About Wilson Disease Association

The Wilson Disease Association (WDA) is a volunteer organization striving to promote the well-being of patients with Wilson disease and their families and friends. Its mission is to fund research and facilitates and promotes the identification, education, treatment, and support of patients and other individuals affected by Wilson disease. For more information, visit http://www.wilsonsdisease.org/.

About Plaza Del Lago

Plaza Del Lago is a community lifestyle center located on the northwest shore of Lake Mission Viejo, at the intersection of Alicia, Marguerite and Del Lago Parkways.  In addition to automobile access, the center is easily accessible by boat, pedestrian and jogging trails.  Ownership is committed to its support for tenants, visitors, and the entire Mission Viejo community. The vision is to provide a unique shopping, dining, and recreational experience for our guests.