Davis Sanders of Kingfisher is one of seven teens in the nation recently appointed to the Soft Bones Teen Advisory Council.

Davis, the son of former state representative Mike Sanders and his wife Nellie, will be a seventh grader at Holy Trinity Catholic School.

The Soft Bones TAC is support and advocacy group for teen patients (or teenage relatives of patients) who have been diagnosed with hypophosphatasia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of bones and teeth by disrupting mineralization, resulting in softer bones.

Although Davis does not suffer from HPP, his mother, younger brother and grandmother have all been diagnosed with the disorder.

“I want to find more information about HPP and let people know about this disease so I can help my mom, brother and grandmother,” Davis said.

“Teens who have firsthand experience with HPP are in the best position to advocate for the disease,” according to the Soft Bones TAC mission statement.

“Rather than leave it to the adults, teens can directly reach out to local politicians to garner federal support, or fundraise and spread awareness within their schools and communities.”

In their letter to Davis announcing his selection, the TAC leaders wrote:

“We’ve heard you have big goals for a future in politics – and advocacy will be a huge part of that! We know you will be a strong advocate for those with HPP and we love your idea for advertisements!”