Silas is a 10-year-old kid who is in the 4th grade. He lives with his mother, Brandie, and his younger sister, Indigo, in Evansville, IN. Silas loves reading Greek and Egyptian mythologies, playing Minecraft, painting, archery, and spending time with his family and friends. He also loves to draw and has a dog named Simon who is his constant companion. Silas is a bright, energetic kid, but in April of 2020, everything changed. He was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis and his everyday began to consist of chronic pain, fatigue, numerous doctor appointments, ER visits and hospitalizations. After 3 years of searching for answers, he became a candidate for Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Auto Transplantation (TPIAT). Silas is also diagnosed with Focal Epilepsy, Carnitine Deficiency, Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and Nephrocalcinosis which all played a part in prolonging his surgery date. It also involved a long process of thoroughly evaluating his condition and if this surgery was the right decision. Consulting with doctors who treat the kidneys and the liver all helped us make the decision to move forward with TPIAT.

Silas will soon have a procedure at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to remove his pancreas, spleen, appendix and gall bladder as well as having a transplant of his islet cells. This is a major surgery for a 10-year-old to go through, but is also needed in order to save his life.

After this surgery, Silas’s liver will take over making insulin for his body with the transplantation of the islet cells. He will be given Dexcom CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) and an insulin pump to regulate his blood sugars until his liver begins to make the insulin his body needs. He will also be on numerous medications and closely monitored after his surgery and for some time to follow.

When his mom first learned of the news that he needed a very major surgery, she was devastated and scared. The thought of handing over her child to a team of surgeons to take several of his organs out is unconscionable, but she is also hopeful that Silas will get more of a normal life back and end his constant pain. His mother shared that the every-two-week hospitalizations have really taken a toll on him, as well as herself and her daughter. Being present and strong for Silas has been his mom’s priority as well as trying to be sure his sister gets everything she needs as well. During this struggle with chronic pancreatitis, Silas has become very negative about himself and his outlook on his health. The constant hospitalizations have become very isolating. He misses his school, friends and his family. Silas cannot play for as long as he would like to as he gets fatigued very easily. He misses participating in archery and other activities he used to do. Long car rides can be uncomfortable, too. Silas has gone from being very outgoing and happy to more a stoic, quiet child.

We are working to raise donations for COTA in honor of Silas. His family lives in Evansville and has been traveling to Cincinnati for over a year for doctor appointments. At the time of his surgery, he will need to stay in Cincinnati for 10 weeks and his mother also will have to leave her job and her younger daughter behind to care for him. All donations will assist with transplant-related expenses, such as medical bills, travel and housing during the time of his surgery. Any donations to COTA in honor of Silas would be greatly appreciated. Updates on his surgery and recovery will be available soon as well.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.