(WNY News Now) – Dalton, a young boy, has been grappling with repeated bouts of pancreatitis since 2020. His struggle for a life-changing surgery to alleviate his condition has become ensnared in an insurance dispute, prompting a GoFundMe campaign to seek financial support.
Buffalo – In a heart-wrenching medical journey that began in 2020, Dalton, a child resident of Buffalo, has endured multiple episodes of pancreatitis, a rare and painful condition not commonly diagnosed in children. These unexpected episodes led to multiple hospitalizations and a series of interventions, yet a permanent solution remains elusive.
Dalton’s ordeal commenced on February 13, 2020, when he was rushed to the emergency room due to excruciating stomach aches. Subsequently, he was transferred to Buffalo Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with pancreatitis, a condition rarely seen in pediatric patients. After a week of intensive treatment, which included fluids and numerous medical tests, Dalton was discharged. This marked the beginning of a recurring and debilitating pattern, with subsequent attacks striking on June 1, 2020, and August 30, 2021.
In January 2022, doctors believed they had identified the root cause of Dalton’s recurrent pancreatitis and performed an appendectomy in hopes of resolving the issue. However, this intervention failed to alleviate his suffering, and the agony continued.
On April 26, 2022, Dalton underwent an Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), revealing a diagnosis of Pancreatic Divisum. Further genetic testing identified a gene mutation known as CFTR, shedding light on the underlying cause of his condition.
The most recent pancreatitis episode occurred in May 2023, further emphasizing the urgency of Dalton’s situation. On August 1, 2023, he was admitted to Oshei Children’s Hospital for a surgery called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which aimed to place a stent to manage his condition. Unfortunately, the procedure was unsuccessful, as the hospital lacked the specialized pediatric equipment required.
Dalton was subsequently referred to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Pancreas Center, known for its expertise and comprehensive facilities in managing complex pancreatic cases. A surgery at this center, scheduled for November 2, 2023, offers hope for Dalton’s long-awaited relief. However, an insurance roadblock has emerged, as the insurance company is refusing to cover the costs of the procedure, arguing that it should be performed in New York.
Desperate to secure this life-changing surgery for their son, Dalton’s family, led by his mother Lacey, launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the mounting medical expenses. The family’s frustration stems from their repeated appeals to the insurance company, which included pleas from the physician who attempted the initial surgery and support from the physicians at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Despite these efforts, the insurance company remains steadfast in its decision not to provide coverage.
Dalton, a vibrant and active child who enjoys cycling, has seen his life marred by the unpredictable and debilitating nature of pancreatitis. Each episode leaves him bedridden, relying on pain medication and fluids for relief. The surgery in question, Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation (TPIAT), offers the potential to prevent future episodes and potentially avert the need for a transplant. The ultimate goal of the GoFundMe campaign is to raise the necessary funds to ensure Dalton’s access to this critical surgery and a chance for a pain-free future.
In a statement to WNY News Now, Lacey said: “Dalton has had medical issues since the day he was born. He has been fighting through every obstacle thrown at him. He’s a fighter! He loves BMX and loves spending time with his race buddies. I often get told he is the sweetest, happy, caring, and funny little guy and I couldn’t agree more! Right now insurance is dictating if Dalton will get the procedure he needs and it feels like a never ending battle. We need prayers more than ever.”
The family is counting on the generosity of friends, family, and well-wishers to support Dalton in his journey toward a healthier, happier life.
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