Because Blake was born prematurely (weighing only 1 lb. 6 oz.), he has many physical problems.

1) He cannot make antibodies to fight off infection,

2) he has asthma and

3) Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia,

4) permanent scarring in his lungs,

5) Trypsin Deficiency (cannot digest protein),

6) Asperger's Syndrome (high functioning form of Autism),

7)ADHD,

8) high anxiety, and

9) Osteomylitis (bone infection).

10) GERD

Also, Blake uses a gastrostomy tube to get nourishment at night while he sleeps, because he is so small. He uses inhaled steroids daily and receives IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) every 2 weeks. Because of these treatments,

11) now his body does not make T-cells and B-cells.

Also, Blake has 12) genetic prothrombin defect. This means that instead of free flowing blood, blake only makes blood clots. His liver does not make heparin. His parents must give him heparin shots twice a day subcutely. This is torture for a child! He has already formed clots where his last port was. Therefore, the placement of his next port will be either through his liver or in the groin area.

Since July of 2000, Blake has undergone 12 surgeries to help get rid of infections in the Temporal Bone at the base of his skull and in the Mastoid cavity of his ear. He's had several ports placed in his chest to take antibiotics, since he can't take them orally. Because of infections, he has just lost his fifth! In the last of 3 major surgeries since December on his left ear, Blake lost 60% of his hearing.

In 2003 he had an 8 hour surgery and an extended hospital stay for his 2nd Nissen Fundoplication surgery and also had a PICC line put in for easier functuality.

He is completely homebound. Blake misses going to school and seeing his friends. He lives a very isolated and lonely life being cooped up inside all the time! He has 30 goats that the family tends and Blake enjoys reading to them.

For email and snail mail addresses, personal web site URL, medical fund information, and a current list of interests and hobbies,visit our "Kids List" page.

For CURRENT UPDATES on Blake visit our updates page.