Will to Cure ALD began with one family’s journey. When Tyler and Taylor Hall welcomed their son, William, a routine newborn screening revealed he had adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)—a rare genetic disease that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and adrenal system.
When they learned that no cure existed and that research funding for ALD is limited, the Halls chose to act. They founded Will to Cure ALD in late 2024 to ensure that no family has to experience this diagnosis without hope.
The couple has raised more than $2.6 million from family and friends who have rallied behind their mission. From that funding, their foundation recently gave the Stanford School of Medicine $175,000 to advance three research projects focused on ALD. They also funded projects at five other ALD centers of excellence across the country.
“By bringing together the brightest minds in the field, we are accelerating the timeline for lifesaving breakthroughs and bringing tangible hope to families waiting for answers,” Tyler says.
At Stanford, Will to Cure ALD chose to partner with Keith Van Haren, MD, an associate professor of neurology and a national leader in ALD research, who leads the Van Haren Lab. Their research has led to an exciting and unexpected discovery.
“We found strong activation of an immune pathway in our mouse model that had not previously been linked to ALD,” says Van Haren. “This gift lets us ask whether that same signature exists in children with the disease, and if it does, whether there are existing drugs or dietary therapies that could be quickly repurposed for boys affected by ALD.”
Ultimately, the Halls are optimistic that this research will generate the data and scientific momentum needed to attract more significant funding from sources like the National Institutes of Health.
At the family’s home in Dallas, Texas, William recently turned 2 and is thriving. He loves being outdoors, playing baseball—which he calls “whack”—watching football, and keeping up with his big sister, Emma.
“He’s funny, loving, and happy, which is exactly what drives us,” Tyler says. “Seeing him that way makes it impossible to do anything less than everything we can to protect his future.”