Doug Boydston has helped so many now he needs ours

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Doug Boydston is currently a K9 officer for the City of Lindsay Police Department. Prior to working as an officer, Doug worked for 15 years serving Lindsay and Pauls Valley, Oklahoma as a paramedic. Currently, Doug is battling an unexpected autoimmune disease. In mid-March Doug fell ill, having over 15 bloody stools a day and lost over 65 pounds within a month. As a prior medical provider, he was reluctant to seek help but after some convincing he agreed to go to the Emergency room. He was anemic, hypokalemic and severely malnourished. He was not admitted until after he returned the next week to the emergency room after losing even more weight. After almost a week, Doug was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and started treatment. Unfortunately, after two weeks of inpatient treatment all medication failed to slow or reduce the inflammation in his colon. Because of this, Doug is going to have two life-altering surgeries within the next 6 months. He is going to have to drastically adjust his life and will take a month or two before he is able to return to work. Then after he has healed from the first, he will return to have his second surgery with additional recovery time.

When you think of a typical UC patient, Doug’s case differs drastically. UC is a chronic autoimmune disease that usually onsets when people are young adults or elderly. Typically, the symptoms come on gradually but remain a life-long struggle. Because of this, UC patients have the opportunity to use medications to slow the progression of inflammation before it gets out of hand. The only cure for UC is the surgery that Doug will be having but most patients have suffered for years before needing this drastic life-changing surgery. In Doug’s case, he had an unusually acute onset that seemed to go from 0 to 100 in a matter of weeks. Doug went from being a healthy and thriving adult to needing a part of him removed in a matter of a month.

We are remaining hopeful with love and support from family and friends in these trying times. As Doug fights to recover finances have become a worry for him and his family. Because Doug’s, soon to be wife, is currently a full-time student, Doug is the sole income for his household. He has already taken a month of unpaid leave and with his recovery time for both surgeries, this is set to continue for an unknown amount of time. As medical expenses and bills accumulate, we wanted to take this worry off his shoulders so he can focus on recovery. Doug is determined to return to work and continue to work with his K9 partner Spike. He is going to need specialty protective equipment so he can return to serving his community. All funds raised at this time will go directly to Doug to help him down his road to recovery and return to work in a safe manner. Any support is greatly appreciated. We love and thank you all!!