So this is hard for me to write, but as a lot of you may know, last January before Parker turned 3, he was diagnosed with chronic acute pancreatitis. After further testing, we found out that he had a genetic mutation called CTRC. We also learned that Parker had a stricture in his pancreatic duct. After discussions with his pancreas team, we decided to try and do an ERCP procedure and try to put a stent in to open the stricture in his pancreatic duct. We were hopeful this would be all he needed. After Boston was unsuccessful 3 times, we were referred to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, for consultation for a TPIAT surgery (Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Auto Transplantation).

TPIAT: How It Works: https://youtu.be/_mqRCpgc2-8?si=hOtZIu6_MMTJTfw4

So last week, we made the journey to Columbus for a week of consultations with multiple doctors and testing. They also attempted another stent placement that was unsuccessful. Parker's stricture is now completely closed off in the middle of his pancreatic duct, and his pancreas is starting to atrophy in parts. So this past Monday, I got a call from Nationwide Children's Hospital approving Parker for the TPIAT surgery. We are headed back to Columbus for at least 6 weeks for Parker to have this surgery on April 22nd. This procedure requires removing multiple organs and takes about 16 hours. After the procedure, Parker will become a diabetic. Parker has a long road ahead of him, and we are hopeful Parker will come out of this happier and healthier.

Justin and myself don't ever like having to ask for help, but unfortunately, this will leave us both out of work for at least 6 weeks.