A rare neuro-genetic disorder is being placed in the spotlight by a local lawmaker.  Angelman Syndrome results in intellectual and developmental delay.  Joey Moretti, a young boy from Monroe, is the inspiration behind The Fighting Angels Foundation.  His father, Joe Moretti Senior says it's been a learning experience, researching and trying to learn as much as possible about the disorder.

Monroe state Representative JP Sredzinski said on Saturday that Governor Malloy declared the day as Angelman Awareness Day in Connecticut.

The characteristics of Angelman Syndrome include lack of speech, seizures, and walking and balance disorders.  Angelman Syndrome is often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy or autism, due to lack of awareness. Individuals with Angelman syndrome usually have a happy demeanor, laugh frequently and are often smiling. 

The disorder occurs in one in 15,000 live births. 

Sredzinski says when he found out that  cutting-edge genetic research was being conducted at the UConn School of Medicine, he decided to highlight what is being done, and ultimately bring attention to, the fight for a cure.