Hi! I was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s Disease when I was just 9 years old. Since then I have suffered and tried every possible treatment option, with little to no relief including infusions, injections, combination therapies, etc… I have had several abdominal surgeries which include removing over 17 feet of my intestines and an emergency temporary ileostomy. After this and the failure of all medication, it has left my doctors at the Mayo Clinic to decide that another surgery needs to be avoided at all costs, and would have catastrophic consequences.

My team of doctors as well as some of the top doctors from around the whole world have decided that I should proceed with a Bone Marrow Transplant as an almost “last resort” option. I am only 32 years old and want to prolong my life as long as possible for myself and my family of 4. Without this procedure my future is unpredictable and includes severe, and maybe fatal, consequences. The transplant needs to happen as soon as possible, leading for it to begin around the holidays this year. During this time my wife and I will be out on unpaid time from work for at least 3 months; myself will be longer. This is a risky and life changing treatment that could give me hope for the first time in my life.

The process begins a week before hospitalization, leading to 3-4 weeks in isolation in the hospital. During this time my stem cells will be extracted and preserved for transplant day. I will undergo several days of high intensity chemotherapy where it will wipe out my entire immune system leaving me completely vulnerable to even the slightest infection; and of course it will leave me shiny and bald. As long as no complications or fatal infections occur I will be able to receive my stem cells back by transplant. After hospitalization, I will have to spend 3-4 weeks near the Mayo Clinic for healing and daily appointments. I will essentially have to regrow my immune system, hopefully without Crohn’s Disease. This transplant gives me hope for a new, pain free life with treatments that may work for once.

This is going to be extremely difficult for myself and my family to endure; especially given the high intensity and risk of everything. We have a 5 year and 1 year old son to think of while their entire world gets turned upside down. We are going to require 24/7 care for them for a minimum of 3weeks, as well as our doggy of course.

We are asking for any amount of help that can be given, even if it is just sharing my story and sending well wishes our way! If we receive donations, the generous money sent will go towards everything we need to keep our family and lives going during and after all of these months out of work. Things include diapers, meals, snacks (the boys live off them), gas for travel back and forth (2 hour drive), lodging for several months, electric bill, water bill, mortgage payment, dog food, wigs, other miscellaneous bills and expenses, childcare, and most importantly- the dreaded medical bills.

Thank you for even reading my story. Please reach out with any questions you may have. We appreciate your kindness, your support, and your amazing generosity and empathy.

Here’s to a long, healthy future!