‘Just born to ride it’: Boy with rare genetic disorder defies diagnosis, races ATVs

MANSURA, La. (KALB/Gray News) - After being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Brendan Scallan is defying the odds by racing ATVs.

Brendan Scallan has the only known case of FoxP1 syndrome in Louisiana, according to his family. They are looking to be one of 50 families taking part in a research campaign, hoping to raise $6,000 in order to help support gene therapy research project.

Nico Scallan, Brendan’s father, said he wanted his son to do “dirt bike stuff” before Brendan was born.

But when Brendan was diagnosed, doctors said that would be impossible. A geneticist told the family the only four-wheeler Brendan would be able to operate would be one in a video game.

“It broke my heart when they said that,” Nico Scallan said. “So I just let all those dreams go right then and just started wondering what he would be able to do because it was so new. Nobody knew anything about FoxP1.”

Sheila Scallan, Brendan’s mother, said FoxP1 is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation of the FoxP1 gene. Geneticists diagnosed Brendan in 2019.

“Being a mom, I know when he was growing up, when I noticed that he is not meeting the developmental milestones, and it took me a while really to sink in,” Sheila Scallan said.

As Brendan got older, his interest in racing grew with him. Nico Scallan bought Brendan a Honda adult bike and put it in gear for him.

“It was like he was just born to ride it,” Nico Scallan said.

Brendan now crosses finish lines and places in tournaments.

“I want to race Honda in the arena,” he said. “I like doing donuts in the Honda.”

The family created “Scallan Wolfpack Racing” to use the races to spread awareness for FoxP1.

“When we found this, we knew we found a home and a family for him and she and I just decided to make a whole family thing out of it,” said Sheila Scallan. “I know that FoxP1 is not really known yet, but it is our goal really that when we go to racing that the FoxP1 syndrome, you know, it’s going to be our voice.”

There is currently no cure for FoxP1 syndrome. Sheila Scallan said a study is underway at UCLA, and there is a potential for gene therapy.

“The FoxP1 Medical Research Foundation, I know it will take years really for them to start it, but they are preparing for that gene therapy,” she said.

The family said the foundation told them if 50 families with children with FoxP1 could each give $6,000, the foundation could start gene therapy lab testing right away.

“It’d be worth it to us,” Nico Scallan said.

The family said they will continue racing and raising awareness for a cure.