Carter’s Story

At just two months of age, Carter Reyes started showing signs that something wasn’t quite right. He was diagnosed with Pearson Syndrome, which is a rare and severe mitochondrial disorder with affects multiple organ systems in the body. He has a team of 15 specialists managing his case and unfortunately there is no clear course of treatment or cure. His parents and team manage symptoms as they arise.

The genetic mutation affects the way his body produces and uses energy making weight gain and eating, hyperglycemia and electrolyte imbalances some of the current struggles his family is facing with Carter. In June 2025, Carter was hospitalized due to an infection causing weight loss. He was fed through an NG tube with the hope of getting him over the infection and being able to place a G-tube directly in his stomach. That surgery was able to happen on July 1st. He continues to have platelets and blood transfusions as needed and is currently being followed closely by hematology, gastroenterology, nephrology, and endocrinology. After his successful G-tube placement surgery, Carter was able to go home for a little bit but is currently back in the hospital due to some electrolyte issues.

His mom says, “Despite all of the medical challenges he’s facing he is still a very happy little three-year-old boy who loves dinosaurs and playing. He makes friends everywhere he goes, even with all of the staff here at the hospital. He’s always full of love and a little mischief.” Carter’s story reminds us all to be courageous and have a little fun even on the hardest of days!