My name is Oliver Taylor and I am 11 months old. I have a condition that is called Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease. What this means is that my tummy sometimes becomes irritated. Any colds, flu or even the smallest of infections can set off a reaction in my tummy as my condition affects my immune system and vice versa. I have to take 4 special medicines every day to help control the symptoms of this disease. I have stayed in hospital on 4 separate occasions now and since I was born, I have only slept through the night 3 times. I cannot eat some foods like wheat, dairy, soya and eggs. Read below for more information on the disease and what we are doing about it:

 

What is an Eosinophilic Disorder?

It’s not just an allergy to certain foods! Eosinophilic disorders require allergens to be eliminated - however it is becoming clearer that these are not the only causes for the illness. Unfortunately, there is little published research available. Due to this being a complex and relatively rare illness, it will be some time before the exact details are known. 

What are we doing about it?

That is why my Daddy and the Doctors from Great Ormond Street Hospital are going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. We need to raise awareness as well as raise funds for a new research project into understanding the genetic causes and improving therapies for infant inflammatory bowel disease. The Mount Kilimanjaro Trek takes place in February 2012 and we aim to raise as much money as possible.