On October 11, 2001 our lives were bless with our second son, Jack Murphy Miller. Jack struggled with life from the beginning. He required a higher level of care right after birth related to anemia however, we were able to bring him home and start our lives as a family of four. Jack continued to struggle with feedings, ear infections, bronchitis, and sinus infections. He was diagnosed with food allergies at six months of age and had several tests to try and determine what was causing all his infections. We continued to struggle with Jack’s infections until he was 3 years old when he developed fluid in his hip. At this time we received a referral to an Immunologist.  After several blood tests and days spent at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin it was determined that Jack and an immune deficiency. Jack started a treatment of IVIG which required him to get an IV every four weeks. He continued this very difficult therapy for 2 years.  He would get several IV pokes due to his veins collapsing and he would get sick from the medication itself, but it worked. Jack remained healthy and had fewer infections, but he wasn’t growing. Jack was once again subjected to more blood work. He was diagnosed with celiac disease and all foods with gluten were eliminated from his diet. This was a huge change for Jack. He could no longer eat foods that contain wheat, rye, oats, and barely. Once again, with Jack’s wonderful personality he adjusted to the diet. Since Jack was so compliant to his new diet he was able to go off the IV medication because his immune function started to work better. At the time Jack was diagnosed with celiac disease he was also diagnosed with another autoimmune disease called eosinophilic esophagitis aka “EE”. What is “EE”? Basically “EE” is an autoimmune disease that creates inflammation in an individual’s esophagus. It was determined that Jack is allergic to basically all foods. For several years Jack was on medication to try and control his “EE” however this past year it was decided that the medication was no longer working. On December 27, 2010 Jack received a feeding tube to help him gain weight and to help us determine what foods he is allergic to. Jack was and continues to be a trooper. All foods except for apples, grapes, rice, beef and pork have been eliminated from his diet. Jack continues his tube feedings 4 times a day. He was blessed with a wonderful personality and has done great with all the adjustments.  We are very proud of Jack. He has gone through a lot of adversity in his little life yet he continues to impress us all with his tenacity. Unfortunately, Jack will never out grow these autoimmune diseases, but with love and support from our family, friends and community, Jack will continue his positive outlook in life and grow into a successful adult.

Jack Murphy Miller