JOHNATHAN ECKSTADT

JOHNATHAN'S SENIOR PICTURE



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 turned ten years of age 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(Steroid). 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. Johnathan grew an inch and a half on his own and then an inch with the growth hormomes. Johnathan's last bone age X-ray showed that the bones in his hands had fused together. That is an indication that he has stopped growing. The growth hormones would seem mute at this point. Johnathan is pretty bummed out about the fact that he will not be able to grow anymore. 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 loves shooting hoops with his friends and 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 has joined the school Tennis team. He was honored as honorary king of the court for winning all his games. We are so 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 with Fanconi Anemia, that he may not live to see 10 years old and he would be lucky if he lived to be 12 years old. Johnathan beat the odds thus 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 his disease that much. He just 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

Sunday, June 14, 2009 11:21 AM CDT

Hello!

Well, John did it! He graduated from high school yesterday June 13th, 2009!

Yesterday was a very exciting and emotional day for me When I watched John walk across the platform to receive his diploma! I was so proud of him and my heart felt like it was about to burst! With all the hurdles, rough patches, and many bumps in the road, John fought hard to over come every one of them and was determined to graduate! Can't help saying this again, but John is my hero! He keeps me going when I feel like I can't go on! He encourages me when I am down. I will always draw from his strength, determination, and fighting spirit!

I thank God every day for hearing my prayers. I thank God every day that John is here with us. It is a blessing and gift from God!

Thank you again for all your prayers and support along the way! Praying every day that John will live a long and healthy life!

God bless you all!
Love,
Ann

Hospital Information:

Home sweet Home
9135 S. Patricia Blvd
Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154

Links:

E-mail Author: aeckstadt@sbcglobal.net

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