Drew McCullough's Battle Against UC

Please help Andrew McCullough with his battle against Ulcerative Colitis (UC).   While most are not diagnosed with UC until their late teen's to early 20's, my brother, Drew, was diagnosed when he was only three years old. In fact, he was only 1 of 3 children under the age of 5 in the United States with UC. No one knew how to treat it. 

Since that time, he has constantly had to deal with all the symptoms of UC--endless medications and countless numbers of hospital stays and emergency room visits. He has tried every new medicine on the market, each with its own set of life altering side effects, only to be disappointed with the outcome.  Each time his hopes would be defeated by another unsuccessful attempt. Drew has sought medical treatment from a long list of GI doctors at different Saint Louis hospitals, but yet, no one could find a solution.  As a result, UC consumed his life.  UC is a disease that effectively strips a person of their own autonomy and normalcy of every day living. With every decision Drew has had to make in his 28 years of life, he has had to take his disease into consideration. 

UC has been a part of every major event in Drew's life from his childhood birthdays, social events with friends, and even his wedding to his wonderful wife, Heather. There has never been a day where Drew did not experience the uncertainty of how UC may effect him at any given moment.  Because of this disease, Drew has been unable to make any plans for the future, including  growing his family,  out of fear of what his future might hold. 

Despite the indescribable consequences of living with UC on a daily basis, Drew has risen above the disease that defined him and has lived his life to the fullest.  As his sister, I have witnessed him growing up with this disease his entire life.  Yet, he has always been the happiest, most selfless, caring person I've ever met.  For any of those who have had the pleasure of knowing him, they know that Drew is the first person to help anyone in need. He truly is an extraordinary human being. 

Recently, after two and half years of injections of TNF blockers (causing medically induced lupus), we have finally reached the point where the only option left was for the doctors to remove Drew's large intestine. After becoming so weak that he could no longer work or go about his day, Drew was admitted at St. Mary's Hospital and the surgeon performed an emergency colectomy. The surgery lasted 8 hours. 

He is now left with a ostomy bag and he will have two more surgeries in the next 6 months.  His wife, Heather, has been left with no choice but to take leave of absense from her work in order to care for Drew as he recovers. Likewise, Drew will miss countless days of work over the next 6 months. 

We need your help.  A single donation of any amount or ongoing support through the next year is greatly appreciated.  It is time for Drew to begin his new life.  We thank you in advance, and will keep you updated with his progress.