Many Bright Spots during hospital stay

Olana, Sierra, Matthew, LeRoy, Kristy and Andrew in back

 Anyone meeting little ten year old LeRoy can’t help but admire him.  He’s smart, a great listener and kind to everyone. He’s actually the fourth LeRoy, as the name has been passed down four generations in his family.  He’s one of two growing sons following in his parent’s footsteps with a for zest for life and the tenacity to rise above most anything that comes their way.

LeRoy (left) and Matthew (right) enjoyed drawing pictures to decorate LeRoy's room

LeRoy’s mom, Kristy, raved about the activities and care LeRoy was able to experience during his hospital stay in Sioux Falls. LeRoy’s younger brother Matthew was a constant companion at his bedside and his most likely opponent for Xbox games.

LeRoy came to the hospital to be treated for a flare up with his ulcers related to Crohn’s disease. Crohn's disease is a lifelong inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where parts of the digestive system get swollen and have deep sores called ulcers. Crohn’s disease usually is found in the last part of the small intestine and the first part of the large intestine. Doctors don't know what causes Crohn’s disease. It may be connected to when the body’s immune system has an abnormal response to normal bacteria in the intestine. Other kinds of bacteria and viruses may also play a role in causing the disease.

Families going through the rigors of this disease need a place of refuge and encouragement as they manage a host of medications and must follow a meal plan that focuses on high-calorie, high-protein foods. The Ronald McDonald House grew close to the family during their weeklong stay at the charity proving that refuge and encouragement. 

Much to LeRoy’s delight, during his hospital stay the USA Men's Slow-Pitch softball team visited the hospital before playing a game in Sioux Falls.  LeRoy was excited about visitors including Brett Helmer from Team USA who signed a softball for LeRoy. As LeRoy tossed a freshly signed ball in his hands, the player said giving this autograph was something special. With the ink still drying the ten year old already had visions of building a glass case with a wooden stand back home for this special ball.  

Helmer noted following his visit, "Kids are tough. They're resilient. They're a lot tougher than I am, so I just want to make them a little bit happy today."

KDLT.com South Dakota News - USA Slow-Pitch Softball Stops at Sanford