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JOHNATHAN ECKSTADT 
Johnathan Eckstadt
Johnathan has Fanconi Anemia. We found out that Johnathan had this horrible disease when he was only three and a half years old. Since then, he has had many Doctor's appointments and many blood tests and bone marrow aspirations. Johnathan also was on Anadrol (steroid) from age ten to age thirteen to help stimulate his red blood cells. When Johnathan was ten years old his body stopped making red blood cells. Then when he turned 13 he had to have liver surgery. He ended up having to get two benign tumors removed from his liver. This was a side affect from the Anadrol. Johnathan had to stop taking the Anadrol which resulted in monthly red blood cell transfusions. Then it became inevitable that Johnathan had to have a bone marrow transplant. He had his bone marrow transplant 7-7-04 at Fairview University in Minnesota. He had an 8/8 match by a non-relative donor. Johnathan has had allot of rough patches since his transplant. He has had to deal with C-Diff, GVHD of the gut, acid reflux, internal shingles,and painful warts on his feet. His GVHD is finally under control, but he still is dealing with stomach issues off and on. Johnathan was taking growth hormone shots daily to help him grow. He recently had a bone age X-ray done and it showed that the bones in his hands had fused together. That is an indication that he has stopped growing.He was pretty bummed out about that. Johnathan still has to see several specialists at this point. In spite of what he has had to endure over the years, his strength and endurance has been through the roof. He literally plays basketball almost every day. He loves shooting hoops with his friends. His dream is to be able to meet Michael Jordan some day. Michael Jordan is his hero. He had a picture of Michael Jordan on his wall all during his transplant. Bret Favre and Lance Armstrong also inspired Johnathan to get through his transplant. Johnathan has now shown a interest in Tennis and joined the school Tennis team last year. He was honored as honorary king of the court for winning all his games. We were really proud of him. I think Tennis has become his favorite sport these days. I know that God's hand of mercy and grace played the biggest part in Johnathan's survival. Also Johnathan's strong faith and determination helped get him through it as well. We are were told by the doctor when Johnthan was first dianosed, that with this disease he may not see 10 years old and he would be lucky if he lived to be 12 years old. Johnathan beat the odds so far. He still has to deal with cancer that could strike at any time. Cancer is the second phaze of his disease. Johnathan tries not to think about that to much and tries to live his life to the fullest everyday. He is now 18 years of age. Johnathan is truly a walking miracle!
FAITH IS NOT THE BELIEF THAT GOD WILL DO WHAT YOU WANT. FAITH IS THE BELIEF THAT GOD WILL DO WHAT IS RIGHT.
Journal
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 7:18 PM CDT
Hello,
Not much to report. Johnathan seems to be doing just great these days.
He is getting ready for exams that will be coming up soon. Other than that, their has not been much going on.
The weather has just been beautiful here! It has been in the 60's and 70's.
We are going to be getting our pool ready in the next couple of weeks. Can't wait to go swimming again this Summer. My younger son Cody turns into a fish every Summer. We can't get him to come out of the pool. That is how I was when I was his age. We had a pool growing up. I was in the pool early in morning until the sun went down.
Things are going good so far. We are all doing well.
Thanks for all your continued prayers.
God bless!
Love,
Ann
TRUST IN GOD'S TIMING. IT'S ALWAYS RIGHT.
BE STILL BEFORE THE LORD AND WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM
PSALM 37:7
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Hospital Information: Home sweet Home
9135 S. Patricia Blvd
Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154
Links: http://www.fanconi.org Learn more about Fanconi Anemia by going to this link.
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