'Fortnite' offers new opportunities for teen with rare condition

For Jack Posnack, video games like "Fortnite" are a window to the world. He was born with a rare genetic condition called familial dysautonomia.

News 12 Staff

Mar 23, 2019, 12:43 AM

Updated 1,860 days ago

Share:

'Fortnite' offers new opportunities for teen with rare condition
Many parents try to limit how much time their kids spend playing video games, but one New City mom actually encourages it.
For Jack Posnack, video games like "Fortnite" are a window to the world. He was born with a rare genetic condition called familial dysautonomia.
“[It] limits his ability to manage his autonomic system... which is everything you don’t think about. For example, he doesn't produce tears, he can’t regulate his blood pressure, his temperature,” says mom Robin Posnack.
His condition means the 13-year-old is stuck indoors for most of the year. Jack says he makes a lot of friends through playing Fortnite.
"But what’s kind of really cool is that 'Fortnite' and virtual gaming gives him the ability to do everything that he can't do in the real world,” says Robin Posnack.
The game is leveling the playing field, and Jack’s not only making friends through this virtual world- he's also creating a community he calls “The Jack Pack.” So anyone feeling lonely can find a friend.
"So what 'Fortnite' has really done is that it really taught Jack that he has a talent, that he is normal, that he can make some more friends,” says Robin. "We can’t make Jack’s life longer but we can make it better and happier."


More from News 12
1:49
Human remains unearthed during drainage work in Putnam County

Human remains unearthed during drainage work in Putnam County

0:56
Sunny for the rest of the workweek ahead before possible wet weekend in Hudson Valley

Sunny for the rest of the workweek ahead before possible wet weekend in Hudson Valley

1:25
Westchester County preps for President Joe Biden's visit

Westchester County preps for President Joe Biden's visit

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:30
Biden campaign reports blockbuster fundraising hauls ahead of visit

Biden campaign reports blockbuster fundraising hauls ahead of visit

0:23
Westchester DA: Ex-Mamaroneck library employee stole over $40,000 from library

Westchester DA: Ex-Mamaroneck library employee stole over $40,000 from library

0:42
Yonkers Spano releases proposed budget for 2025

Yonkers Spano releases proposed budget for 2025

1:54
State budget excludes aid for Orange County storm victims, lawmakers criticize Gov. Hochul

State budget excludes aid for Orange County storm victims, lawmakers criticize Gov. Hochul

0:44
Carmel Board of Education expected to approve budget that cuts more than $5 million

Carmel Board of Education expected to approve budget that cuts more than $5 million

0:40
Hochul: $33 million allocated to mental health in the state budget to expand services for felons

Hochul: $33 million allocated to mental health in the state budget to expand services for felons

0:31
Yonkers official calls for protection of city’s war memorial from graffiti, vandalism

Yonkers official calls for protection of city’s war memorial from graffiti, vandalism

2:07
​Officials hope to implement noise cameras to combat loud noise from street racing in Greenburgh

​Officials hope to implement noise cameras to combat loud noise from street racing in Greenburgh

0:36
Police: Father pleads guilty to string of burglaries from 2022

Police: Father pleads guilty to string of burglaries from 2022

0:28
President Biden's visit prompts early dismissals in Westchester schools

President Biden's visit prompts early dismissals in Westchester schools

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

0:31
Mount St. Mary College welcomes new president

Mount St. Mary College welcomes new president

0:57
Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights

Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights

1:49
Proposal for Putnam County lithium-ion battery storage station raises concerns in Westchester

Proposal for Putnam County lithium-ion battery storage station raises concerns in Westchester

0:41
Fire destroys car, damages garage in Rhinebeck

Fire destroys car, damages garage in Rhinebeck

0:32
Repeat offender arrested on trespassing charge in Ulster County

Repeat offender arrested on trespassing charge in Ulster County