Brett Wilkens, 8, was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) when he was just two years old.
The disease causes severe inflammation of the esophagus. It's chronic and there is no cure. The inflammation makes it very difficult for Brett to eat and symptoms like vomiting, choking and coughing occur with frequency. In his first four years of life, Brett was rushed to the emergency room 14 different times.
On Saturday, Sept. 21 from 2 to 7 p.m. a benefit will be held at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W 115th St. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. The benefit will raise money to help pay for the boy's increasing medical bills and schooling costs.
Adding to the severity of his situation is the fact that Brett has extensive food allergies including dairy products, barley, rye, soy, wheat and tree nuts. His treatment regimen includes feeding tubes and numerous medications.
Wile EoE is serious enough, Brett also suffers from asthma, mild autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, anxiety and ADHD.
Brett, his parents Michelle and Ken, and younger siblings Lilly and Wesley, currently live in Lockport. Extended family lives in the Oak Lawn and Palos areas. Brett's father Ken is a firefighter in Crete and Riverdale.
For more information about Brett and the benefit being held in his honor, visit Benefit for Brett's website.
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