Inspiration for this foundation began with A. Jay.
Determination to help other kids with EOE continues until there is a cure.
Determination to help other kids with EOE continues until there is a cure.
What is EOE?What are Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal disorders? Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are a group of conditions that can affect the esophagus (eosinophilic esophagitis), the stomach (eosinophilic gastritis), the small intestine (eosinophilic gastroenteritis), and the colon (eosinophilic colitis). Patients diagnosed with these diseases have an abnormal amount of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in their gastrointestinal tract. Patients can suffer from feeding refusal, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), failure to thrive (poor weight gain), severe pain, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. They are also likely to have severe allergic responses to multiple foods and/or environmental triggers. Symptoms vary by age. Infants experience reflux, feeding difficulties, swallowing problems, poor advancement to solids, vomiting, choking, and poor growth. School-age children experience vomiting, regurgitation, and abdominal pain, while adults typically experience difficulty swallowing foods and food impactions. Eosinophilic Esophagitis, the main focus of A. Jay’s Fight, is a chronic condition. It is a life-long disease. It is often triggered by an allergic response to food or environmental allergens, causing inflammation, and deterioration of the esophagus. Food can get trapped in the esophagus and could potentially cause an esophageal rupture if left untreated. Eosinophilic disorders are very difficult diagnoses for patients and their family. Our society has put a very strong emphasis on food in any type of social gathering. Birthday parties, graduation parties, family dinners, and even classroom activities can be filled with food. Imagine living your life not being able to participate in any of these activities! For those affected, children especially, every reminder of food can be a constant cause of psychological and emotional distress. After an EGID diagnosis, food becomes your worst enemy. Friendships become strained. Family life changes dramatically. Eosinophilic Esophagitis is extremely rare; 10 out of every 100,000 people are affected. There is currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or any of its related disorders. Treatment and management of these disorders requires the experimental, off-label use of treatments and drugs. These treatments can be costly since many insurance companies refuse to cover medications that are not FDA approved. Furthermore, diagnosis and management of eosinophilic disorders requires multiple surgical procedures, which are costly and invasive. Many families with these diagnoses deal with serious financial difficulties and struggle to receive adequate care due to insurance refusals and lack of general knowledge of these conditions. So, you see, this is why A. Jay’s Fight’s fundraising efforts are desperately needed. This community needs approved treatments. They need a cure. Donations by mail:
A. Jay's Fight 20180 Park Row Drive, #6176 Katy, TX 77491 |
Meet A. JayInterests
A. Jay is like other boys who like sports. Before he could play flag football, A. Jay and his family had to make sure his bone degeneration would allow him. Thankfully, he played and felt like an ordinary boy. _______ Warrior Spirit Anyone with EOE faces daily challenges. A. Jay meets each challenge with a warrior spirit. Of course, he's human and gets down too. More times than not, A. Jay meets life with his signature smile. |