When Chayce was six months old, he got a fever and was struggling to have a bowel movement. Antibiotics and numerous visits to the pediatrician were fruitless. The problem went on for months. At ten months, Chayce began projectile vomiting and not eating anything. Next, he got hives from head to toe. His pediatrician told Chayce's mom, " I don't know to do for your son." He said Chayce looked healthy and he suggested that Chayce's parents were not taking proper care of him.

Chayce's parents tried two more doctors. An allergist determined that Chayce was allergic to milk, soy, peanuts, and beans. Another doctor took an endoscopy and discovered Chayce was suffering from severe reflux. He prescribed medication, but Chayce now has a repulsion to food and a texture disorder so he vomits when his mom tries to give him medication or feed him.

In the meantime, Chayce was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis and he started swelling. EE is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of white blood cells in the esophagus. A visit to the ER proved that Chayce had no protein, calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus in his body. Doctors wanted to give Chayce a feeding tube, but his mom was determined to give him the formula by bottle. After much effort (coaxing Chayce), she succeeded.

Drinking 64 ounces a day of an amino acid based formula, Chayce had finally begun to gain weight, but he still suffered from Asthma and continued to vomit and gets hives whenever he tried to eat food.

His formula (Elecare) is partially covered by medical insurance. This helps because it costs $2100 a month! But Chayce's insurance company has refused to pay for visits to an Eosinophilic Clinic. Even with a letter from his doctor, the insurance company says the treatment is not necessary! Meanwhile, Chayce's condition is worsening once again. He is treated by an immunologist because his immune system is not fighting off any invaders.

Below is a photo of Chayce with sister Savannah (born 5-28-99)

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