Damon was diagnosed with Hereditary Pancreatitis at not quite 7 years old. It currently is one of the rarest pancreatic disorders on record with less than 1000 cases of this genetic disorder in the United States. A case of pancreatitis is one of the most painful attacks a person can endure and live, with the only rival being giving live birth. Damon has had more than 14 in the last 6 years. Though he has had to learn to cope with the debilitating day to day pain and nausea over the years, the damage to his pancreas is progressing and surgery necessary. Between the random attacks, and increasing chance of a crippling diabetes, there is also nearly a 40% chance of pancreatic cancer someday. Damon’s only option is a Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Auto Transplant.
