Support Daniel Drummond and his Family

Daniel Drummond recently shared the following story about his liver disease. His story has touched so many people that want to do all they can to help Daniel and his family. A Walk/Run fundraiser has been organized by a group of Sherwood Park Phoenix coaches, players and parents. In conjunction with this walk, we have created this Gofundme to help Daniel and his family with the expenses they will encounter while waiting for his transplant and the many months after his transplant. The support from the soccer community has been overwhelming. It has been so special to see the clubs, districts, and individuals eager to support Daniel and see him through the biggest battle of his life!

 

“I feel it’s a good time to share my story…

I need a new liver to save my life.

 

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in 2001. I continued to battle through medications, various tests and procedures throughout my youth. In 2007, I was diagnosed with a rare liver disease, known as Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). I was in the midst of University and felt a huge uncertainty of what could be next. At 22, my hepatologist told me that there is no cure, many patients will require a liver transplant and that there is a real threat of bile duct cancer within the first year. This hit me pretty hard, but I learned about the disease, persevered and continued to have a positive mindset. While many people are aware that I have had some health issues, most are not aware of the full extent.

Fast forward to this year and by mid-February I became really unwell and had many lab tests, procedures, and a visit to the ER. I had an MRI of my liver March 16th which showed significant increase in my PSC, which has affected me so drastically that I have struggled to function in daily life, let alone be active or work.

 

My Hepatologist met with me and notified that based on my MELD score, my disease has progressed to the point of needing a liver transplant. It didn't seem real and it still doesn't seem real. Within that day, I had a referral sent in & a coordinator contact me to officially be listed in June. I have a full week of appointments and meetings with support teams, doctors, social workers, etc to be officially listed and then I wait for an organ.

I felt getting this message out may help me get my head around this, bring awareness to organ donation, and help explain why I have lost 25lbs and am becoming more and more jaundiced (yellow). The last couple months have been crazy, and the last 2 weeks has been a wave of emotions for me and my family.

Still in this moment I have gratitude. I have the most supportive family, friends, amazing wife, and two most special little ones. For these reasons I have to continue to to stay positive and overcome this hurdle. This is undoubtedly the biggest battle of my life and I will continue to keep you all posted..

#PSCStrong”



Organizers:
Sarah Munoz, Sarah Thomsen, Debbie Ballam