My granddaughter Allyson will be undergoing a 12-18 hour Surgery in Columbus Ohio Children's Hospital on May 13th.

Allyson was diagnosed with hereditary pancreatitis at a very young age; her first attack occurred when she was just 3 three years old. Over the last 9 years she has spent a great deal of time in the hospital dealing with debilitating pain

Allyson is monitored by pancreas specialist Dr Amit Grover at Boston children's hospital. After years of stent treatment and pain management, she was sent to consult with Dr. Jaime Nathan to be evaluated for what is called a Total pancreatechtomy with Islet Auto cell Transplant (TPIAT).

TPIAT will remove the pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, and reroute the digestive tract. Removing the pancreas will eliminate the painful inflammation flares as well as many other complications associated with pancreatitis. Islet cells will be harvested from the pancreas and infused into the liver in the hopes that they will create insulin for a period of time. This is important because once her pancreas is removed, she will immediately become a type 3c diabetic.

Now that Allyson is older she feels she has suffered long enough and wants this life altering surgery in the hopes that it will provide her a better quality of life even though she will be trading one disease for another.

TPIAT is only done on children in a very few select hospitals in the country. Her family chose Nationwide Children's because through her involvement with Camp Hope ( a specialized camp for pediatric pancreatitis patients) they had made a connection with Dr Nathan, who is one of the leading surgeons in this field.

The recovery process will be long and quite difficult. Allyson and her

parents traveled from their home in Boston to Columbus Ohio, and will remain there with her for 6-8 weeks. Additionally, they will need to revisit

every three months for the next year as well as yearly after that for follow

up care.

About Allyson: She is just finishing up her sixth grade year and is very dedicated to competitive dancing. She is one of the toughest little girls around and some might not even realize she is sick because she hides it well. She is ready to move past pancreatitis and she is ready to put in the hard work during recovery so she can get back to doing what she loves....DANCING!

Even though they have good insurance. There will be expense for traveling . Allyson will have to go back to Columbus Ohio 3x in the upcoming year for check ups. Then back to Boston Childrens to Dr Grover and the rest of Allyson's team of Dr."s.

All donations will be used to help the family with things having to do with Allyson Surgury and Recovery. If there is more donations than needed at this time., it will be in a account for Allysons future medical expenses or other expenses not covered by insurance.

If you are not able to donate please keep Allyson in your prayers. Also, pray that God gives mom and dad strength to handle the waiting during the 12-18 hr surgery

Thank you and GOD BLESS YOU

Lori Philipps

Allysons Grandma (Nana)

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