Deniz Atakay

My baby is diagnosed with PKU illnesses. PKU is a genetic metabolism illness, whihc can be detected right after birth. For a PKU patient, protein contained foods are forbidden throughout their lifetime. Otherwise, baby will have mental deficiencies. Since there is not enough experts, I learned and educated myself and my child about this disease. For a long time I told her not to eat prohibeted food to have a healthy life. Then I aimed to save other babies. I did extensive research on the illness, and founded the first NGO in Turkey about PKU. I also authored a book about PKU, which had also been translated into English so that it can be beneficial to families worldwide. I became a member of European PKU Association. We opened a cafe full of with diet foods. I wrote a drama and we are about to stage it. I believe I've made a difference. If I have more opportunities, I will try to save more children, I wll try to let the society be more informed and aware of this illness with a cure.