When Doogie was about 1 year old, he caught a stomach flu, and became extremely sick, leading to hospitalization. During testing, it was found that his blood sugar was abnormally low and that his liver was enlarged. After further extensive testing and a biopsy, it was found that Doogie had a liver disease called Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD). Little did the family know what a drastic lifestyle change they would be in for.

Doogie required a surgical procedure that involved placing a gastric tube in his stomach, which would allow him to receive tube feedings every night while he slept, to keep his blood sugar up. He would also have to eat three teaspoons of cornstarch every two hours during the day which would be mixed into his food. 

This went on for many years and Doogie just grew to know it as a normal part of life, however, when he would get sick with something as simple as the stomach flu, he would be forced to be hospitalized to keep his blood sugar levels safe until he recovered from the short-term illness. Doogie had more IV’s, more procedures and more surgeries before he was five than the average person has in a lifetime.

Doogie kept up with his friends and family, despite his disease. While he consumed his cornstarch and watched his blood sugar, he still played ball, ran around with his brothers and friends and tried his best to lead a normal childhood. 

When Doogie reached sixth grade, he was very excited, because this would be the first time that he would be able to play his favorite sport…football…as an organized sport. Unfortunately, the doctors forbid him to play, due to his enlarged liver and the dangers posed by the physical contact of the game. Persistent as he was, Doogie tried every year to talk his doctors into letting him play, but all to no avail. 

Once in high school, he still had a strong desire to play football, but after having his dream shot down once again by the doctors, he decided to participate the next best way possible…by being the team’s manager. This allowed Doogie to be part of the team, but yet still be safe from harm to his liver.

For four years, Doogie watched football games, encouraged his teammates and helped with manager duties. Finally, during the last game of his Senior year, Doogie’s dream came true. He was able to play in his one and only high school football game with his friends and teammates. Doogie was made the kicker for the team and kicked extra points and kick-offs. It was a night to remember for him, his friends and his entire family. The crowd roared and chanted “Doogie, Doogie,” excited to see him make his dream come true. Doogie made three of his five attempted extra points that night…with the first one being made on the opening kick-off that was returned for a touchdown. It was truly a night to remember.

In October 2008, after yet another examination, doctors discovered that Doogie had a potentially cancerous growth on his liver. A biopsy attempt was made, but was unsuccessful due to the location of the tumor and its proximity to the spine. The decision was then made for Doogie to get a liver transplant. So, in early November 2008, he was placed on the transplant list, and is currently awaiting the call that will send him off to his four-hour drive toward a new life.