The John Patrick Carey Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded by two grieving parents who felt they had no where else to turn.
Matt & Erika Carey lost their son, John Patrick Carey unexpectedly due to complications of rare and complicated medical issues.
They have committed to making sure that their son's legacy lives on by helping other children and their families.
John "Patrick" Carey was diagnosed at birth with a rare genetic disorder called LCHADD.
LCHADD (long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase) deficiency is a rare condition that prevents the body from converting certain fats to energy, particularly during periods without food (fasting).
At 2-1 / 2 years old, Patrick was also diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
Since at the time, there weren't any cases on record of an individual having both of these diseases simultaneously, the course in which to treat was unknown.
The doctors knew how to treat the LCHADD and they knew how to treat the diabetes, but treating both at the same time proved to be extremely difficult.
Patrick was admitted to the hospital on September 12, 2017 due to metabolic decompensation, which was caused by a common cold.
This lead to congestive heart failure, insulin resistance, extreme acidity and ultimately multi-organ failure. Patrick was a true fighter in every sense of the word, but sadly lost his battle on October 4, 2017. He was only 6 years old.
In their commitment to keeping his legacy alive, Matt and Erika Carey have committed to funding The John Patrick Carey Pediatric Research Fund.