Now 13, this twin and his brother were born extremely early at just 27 weeks. He spent 82 days in the NICU but once he was released he had a relatively uneventful childhood until September 2021. His symptoms started out very vague and nonspecific. He was extremely fatigued and unable to do much activity without his heart racing. After numerous months, multiple hospital admissions, and lots of advocating from his parents, he was finally diagnosed with severe Grave’s Disease. An illness normally easily controlled with Thyroid medications has significantly impacted this teens life and they have struggled to manage his thyroid well enough to regain normal activity. He struggles with extreme fatigue, racing heart rate periodically, and requires a wheelchair for long distance.

Going into grade 8 this year, he loves the winter, playing in the snow, bike riding and playing on the trampoline. Like most teen boys he loves gaming and hanging out with a few close friends and his family. We cannot wait to create this teen a cool movie/gaming room in his basement.