'My girl can't walk or talk': Searching for answers in Wales' rare disease cluster
Published: 9/21/2025

In Wales, Rachel Cowley shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter Jessica, who suffers from a rare condition called DRPLA. The cluster of patients in south Wales with DRPLA faces debilitating symptoms like seizures, memory loss, and impaired movement. While there is currently no cure, ongoing research and clinical trials provide hope for potential treatments in the future, as families like Zoe Hoes' navigate the challenges of caring for loved ones with this progressive neurological disorder.