In March 2025, our lives changed when our son Liam, just 2 years old at the time, first started showing signs that something wasn’t right. What followed has been a long, exhausting, and heartbreaking year of testing, procedures, and uncertainty as we searched for answers.

Since then, Liam has endured an overwhelming number of medical tests, including two MRIs, two colonoscopies, two endoscopies, a Meckel scan, and even a pill cam study. Through all of this, he has continued to suffer almost daily from stomach pain and passes blood with nearly every bowel movement.

After a year of searching for answers, Liam was diagnosed with very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO IBD) — a rare and more severe form of the disease because of how young he is. This diagnosis has brought some answers, but also many new challenges.

Liam also suffers from iron deficiency anemia due to ongoing blood loss. At one point, his hemoglobin dropped to 6.0, which is dangerously low. He has already undergone five iron infusions and is scheduled for his sixth next week.

We have tried multiple medications, but unfortunately, they have not worked. We have now moved on to biologic treatment — specifically a biosimilar to Humira. These medications suppress his immune system in hopes of reducing the inflammation in his intestines. So far we have not seen improvement. In fact, since early April, his symptoms have worsened. If this treatment does not work, the next step will be stronger biologic infusions administered at a hospital or infusion center.

Due to his symptoms, his doctors are also recommending another MRI and possibly another colonoscopy.

Even with health insurance, the financial burden has become overwhelming. We have already met — and exceeded — our high deductible both last year and this year. Despite doing our best to keep up with payments, the medical bills continue to pile up faster than we can manage.

Many of Liam’s procedures and treatments are not fully covered by insurance, including:

-Specialized genetic testing through the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

-Medications

-Food therapy

-Occupational therapy

-Our insurance copay after the deductible for every procedure

Because of his condition and constant stomach pain, Liam is extremely limited in what he can eat. Currently, he tolerates only three solid foods and yogurt, making nutrition an ongoing challenge.

As parents, we are doing everything we can. I have been searching for a better job with improved insurance benefits and will continue to do so, knowing this is a lifelong condition Liam will face. But the truth is, the emotional and financial strain has become overwhelming. Watching our child suffer, while trying to manage constant medical care and growing debt, has brought an immense amount of stress and anxiety into our lives.

We are asking for help — something that is incredibly hard for us to do — but any support would mean more than we can express. Your generosity would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read Liam’s story and for any support you can give — whether it’s a donation, a share, or simply keeping him in your thoughts.