Drake Dosch is the son of Jeremy Dosch and Kelsie Ehresmann of Columbia, SD.
Here is a brief history of Drake's life and medical history.
Drake was born on May 21st, 2009 with a condition called Gastroschisis (a condition in which the intestines forms outside the body). After numerous surgeries in his first 2 days of life, Drake had his small bowel removed in order to save his life. He then spent the first year of his life in the NICU at Sanford in Sioux Falls, SD. He overcame numerous complications and great medical obstacles before he was stable and healthy enough to leave. Drake was blessed to receive a small bowel transplant on July 4th, 2011 at the University of Minnesota.
Drake's first year after the transplant went well; however, he developed PTLD (Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease) on Easter 2013. He then went to the U of M to begin chemotherapy and was later moved to Sanford Children's in Sioux Falls to finish treatments. Drake's last chemo treatment was finished that September and he has been free of cancer since.
Drake is currently very immune suppressed and continually gets sick. He receives four IV’s and several oral medications daily. He was also diagnosed with Autism four years ago, which limits his senses as well as his verbal and fine motor skills.
Despite all of these difficulties in just 7 years of life, Drake is a very happy, loving, and brave little boy. He loves to go outside, play with his siblings, and watch his IPad and movies. He never complains about his daily medications or when he doesn’t feel good. He will always greet you with a smile and an "Oh, hi!", and will leave you laughing every time.
We are starting this fundraising effort for people to get to know Drake and to help achieve his dream of a School/Therapy House in his yard. He is currently in Pre-K, but is unable to attend classes at school due to his weak immune system and his medication schedule. Drake has a Teacher's Aide, OT, PT and ST come to the house for 3 hours every day.
We started this page to ask for your help and generosity in raising funds to construct a 16’x 20' School/Therapy House in our yard for Drake to use year-round. He would love to have a place to attend school and therapies other than the kitchen table and living room. We currently live in a small home and don't have the extra room or a basement to dedicate a specific place for Drake to receive these services. Being able to keep his home life separate from his schooling and therapies would help create a healthy balance between the two.
The plans for the School/Therapy House include a desk, storage for supplies, small 4' high upper level with stairs, a TV monitor for communication with his teachers and classmates over the IPad, a therapy swing in the middle, balance beam, sensory table, and other therapy items. It will have several windows and one wall will be painted in a mural of his favorite things, with another wall dedicated for his schooling needs. Our goal is to completely insulate and wire the building with electrical so that it can be used year-round.
If we are able to construct this building, Make-A-Wish will grant Drake's wish and help us outfit the inside with items such as storage cabinets, therapy items, play items, and activities. Make-A-Wish was unable to help with the construction of the actual building, but we are thankful they will help Drake receive some items for the inside.
We plan to begin construction around June 15th and it is our hope to be finished by the start of the next school year. Words can't express how much it would mean if you could help us achieve this building for Drake. No matter how big or small the amount, your gift will help us provide Drake this special place to learn, grow and express his freedom and personality.
Please pass this link on to everyone - friends, family members, and any contacts you have. https://www.gofundme.com/DrakeDosch
Here is a brief history of Drake's life and medical history.
Drake was born on May 21st, 2009 with a condition called Gastroschisis (a condition in which the intestines forms outside the body). After numerous surgeries in his first 2 days of life, Drake had his small bowel removed in order to save his life. He then spent the first year of his life in the NICU at Sanford in Sioux Falls, SD. He overcame numerous complications and great medical obstacles before he was stable and healthy enough to leave. Drake was blessed to receive a small bowel transplant on July 4th, 2011 at the University of Minnesota.
Drake's first year after the transplant went well; however, he developed PTLD (Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease) on Easter 2013. He then went to the U of M to begin chemotherapy and was later moved to Sanford Children's in Sioux Falls to finish treatments. Drake's last chemo treatment was finished that September and he has been free of cancer since.
Drake is currently very immune suppressed and continually gets sick. He receives four IV’s and several oral medications daily. He was also diagnosed with Autism four years ago, which limits his senses as well as his verbal and fine motor skills.
Despite all of these difficulties in just 7 years of life, Drake is a very happy, loving, and brave little boy. He loves to go outside, play with his siblings, and watch his IPad and movies. He never complains about his daily medications or when he doesn’t feel good. He will always greet you with a smile and an "Oh, hi!", and will leave you laughing every time.
We are starting this fundraising effort for people to get to know Drake and to help achieve his dream of a School/Therapy House in his yard. He is currently in Pre-K, but is unable to attend classes at school due to his weak immune system and his medication schedule. Drake has a Teacher's Aide, OT, PT and ST come to the house for 3 hours every day.
We started this page to ask for your help and generosity in raising funds to construct a 16’x 20' School/Therapy House in our yard for Drake to use year-round. He would love to have a place to attend school and therapies other than the kitchen table and living room. We currently live in a small home and don't have the extra room or a basement to dedicate a specific place for Drake to receive these services. Being able to keep his home life separate from his schooling and therapies would help create a healthy balance between the two.
The plans for the School/Therapy House include a desk, storage for supplies, small 4' high upper level with stairs, a TV monitor for communication with his teachers and classmates over the IPad, a therapy swing in the middle, balance beam, sensory table, and other therapy items. It will have several windows and one wall will be painted in a mural of his favorite things, with another wall dedicated for his schooling needs. Our goal is to completely insulate and wire the building with electrical so that it can be used year-round.
If we are able to construct this building, Make-A-Wish will grant Drake's wish and help us outfit the inside with items such as storage cabinets, therapy items, play items, and activities. Make-A-Wish was unable to help with the construction of the actual building, but we are thankful they will help Drake receive some items for the inside.
We plan to begin construction around June 15th and it is our hope to be finished by the start of the next school year. Words can't express how much it would mean if you could help us achieve this building for Drake. No matter how big or small the amount, your gift will help us provide Drake this special place to learn, grow and express his freedom and personality.
Please pass this link on to everyone - friends, family members, and any contacts you have. https://www.gofundme.com/DrakeDosch
Organizer and beneficiary
Peggy Stager
Beneficiary