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Health & Fitness

Brave Boy Battles Extraordinary Circumstances

Soon after reaching age two, Noah Galloy, of Plainfield, was taken to a hospital due to common symptoms. What first began as a sore throat turned into something much worse.

 

Written by: Joliet West High School Student Sydney Czyzon

Soon after reaching age two, Noah Galloy, of Plainfield, was taken to a hospital due to common symptoms. What first began as a sore throat turned into something much worse.

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Noah Galloy is one of only eight people in the entire world with Interleukin-12 Deficiency, causing him to be fully susceptible to lethal bacteria.

As a result of his vulnerable state, he has also been diagnosed with Atypical Mycobacterium Avium Complex, which has infected his blood and ruthlessly assaulted his lymph nodes.

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To maintain his survival, the toddler tolerates seven IV therapies per day, four oral medications, and Interferon injections three times a week.

When asked what he thought of his 8:30 a.m. shots, Noah simply replied, “They hurt me,” adding light to the situation by nicknaming his IV’s, “Spiderman web shooters,” small tubes that are attached to the toddler’s wrist, closely mimicking the structure of the fictional fantasy.

Noah’s mother, Jennifer Galloy, also has another son with the same genetic disorder, but in a much more stable condition.

“My children are my driving force,” she said. “Noah is special. His story has touched a lot of people and it continues to touch a lot of people.”

The young fighter has encountered nine surgeries total, not including a risky stem-cell transplant that was conducted in January.

At Joliet West High School, students and staff are participating in ‘Nickels for Noah,’ a campaign with all proceeds going to Global Genes Network in Noah’s name. The fundraiser’s duration is April 12 to 26, and the students are given the opportunity to donate money during their advisory classes. The school also accepts outside donations through the Main Office at Joliet West High School.

GGN is a non-profit organization that aims to connect victims of rare diseases, as well as their families, while providing funding for stem-cell research and other worthy studies. Direct donations can be achieved through their website: www.globalgenes.org.

Community members can donate to the Galloy family directly by making a donation at:

Archer Bank
3435 West 111th Street, Chicago, 60605 / 773-840-2000
Reference Account: TEAM NOAH
TAX ID NUMBER: 46-1289870

 

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