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JUNE 2021
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Fighting through the pain Friends raising funds to help Hamilton man as he battles very rare disease By Joe Emanski
For Kevin Fritts, the day came when he just could not catch his breath. The year was 2014, and Michael Jeannette of Hamilton stands in front of the fence at the Miracle League field at the Hamilton Area YMCA’s Sawmill facility, where the league has planted corn in the outfield like in the movie “Field Fritts was working as a personal banker. He had recently of Dreams.” (Photo by Dan Sczweck.) starting a new phase of his career, after spending six years as circulation manager for the Princeton Packet. Like anyone, he wanted to do well. But he was having serious problems breathing. So serious that he had to be hospitalized. His airways were constricted. He came down with One morning, a message written in chalk appeared pneumonia. His doctors ran in front of an RWJBarnabas Health facility. The words based upon inclusion and for its 15th year in 2020 when tests and more tests. But they After a year beset by isparticipation, couldn’t have struck. been simpler, more soul not stirring, There orwas could tell him what was having to spend Covid-19 or more accurate. the pandemic, the no choice but to cancel the causing his breathing probmore than a year apart can spring season, and as the lock- lems. He would also suffer seem especially cruel. Miracle League of The Miracle League of Mer- downs wore on, the fall sea- mysterious pain attacks that Mercer County rises cer County has been a haven son as well. no one could satisfactorily “Heroes So when the league explain. The symptoms would for people with physical or work here.” again cognitive disabilities since resumed play at Miracle Field come and go. On to 2016. He was in the 2005. Its barrier-free Miracle in May for the first time in 18 months, it felt especially hospital again, again havField, located on the grounds By Joe Emanski Three words of gratitude and encouragement that ing difficulty breathing. This of the Hamilton Area YMCA’s sweet for all involved. capture the courage and compassion of health And thanks to the adapt- time, though, something It’s safe to say that no enter- Sawmill facility, provides workers here across director America. happened To share your ability of and executive that doctors did prise or individual has been everyone with an opportunity thanks or to supportand our Emergency Dan Sczweck his staff, Response recognize.Fund, His ears became unaffected by the coronavi- to play baseball in a league was not a total washout. inflamed and swollen. His rus pandemic. But when an setting. visit 2020 rwjbh.org/heroes eyes were red and irritated. The league was gearing up organization’s entire mission See MIRACLE, Page 12
Their courage and compassion inspire us all.
May miracles never cease
For the first time since the problems had started, doctors had enough information to make a diagnosis, though unfortunately, not one that anyone wants to hear. The combination of symptoms that Kevin had led his doctors to diagnose him with relapsing polychondritis, a very rare autoimmune disease. RP affects multiple organs, particularly those with cartilage such as the ears, nose, joints and airway. The eyes, skin, heart valves and brain are also vulnerable to RP. Doctors don’t know what causes RP, and there is no cure. Recently, Fritts was in the hospital for a month because of a flare-up in his eye. Nothing that doctors prescribed helped to dull the searing pain. He has had issues in both eyes since he first got the disease, but the left eye had been an issue every time he had a flare. So the decision was made to take out the eye. This did, at least, put an end to the unbearable pain. But the procedure added to his already considerable medical bills. He hopes to get a prosthetic eye in July, which will add to the expenses. That is why a group of friends has gotten together to raise money for Fritts — to help him with the cost of the prosthetic eye, as well as all the other costs that he and his family have had to deal with See RP, Page 10
And please, for them, stay home and safe.
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