Hey there, let’s talk about something truly heartfelt. Dylan Dreyer, the beloved Today show host, recently opened up about her eldest son Calvin's health battle. After a year of uncertainty, Calvin, an elementary school student, has been diagnosed with celiac disease. Let’s dive deeper into his journey and how his family is navigating this new chapter. Scroll down to learn more about his treatment and condition.
Calvin's Journey: A Year of Struggles and Searching for Answers
Over the past year, Calvin has been dealing with relentless stomach pain. At one point, the pain was so severe that Dylan and her husband, Brian Fichera, rushed him to the hospital. Initially, they thought it might be appendicitis, but after running tests, the doctors couldn’t find anything wrong. It was a confusing and frustrating time for the family, as they watched their little boy suffer without any clear answers.
Not one to give up, Dylan and Brian kept pushing for solutions. They visited multiple specialists, hoping to uncover the root cause of Calvin’s discomfort. It was like piecing together a puzzle where every piece seemed to fit but didn’t quite make sense yet.
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“We took him to the ENT to check his ears, which were fine,” Dylan revealed to People in May 2023. “They thought he might be getting molars, but then we noticed a strange rash on his head. When we moved his hair, chunks would fall out. All these symptoms were happening, and we had no idea how or if they were related. It was a whirlwind of emotions and questions.”
Finally, Calvin underwent an endoscopy, which revealed a stomach ulcer. Further blood tests by a gastroenterologist confirmed that Calvin has celiac disease. This diagnosis was both a relief and a new beginning for the Dreyer family.
Understanding Celiac Disease: What It Is and How It Affects Calvin
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging the lining of the small intestine, making it hard to absorb nutrients properly. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition affects about 1% of the population.
There’s no cure for celiac disease, but following a strict gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms like diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, and anemia. For Calvin, this meant a significant lifestyle change, not just for him but for his entire family.
The Family’s Commitment to Supporting Calvin’s Health
Once Calvin’s diagnosis was clear, Dylan and Brian, who are also parents to sons Oliver and Russell, decided to make some major changes at home. They knew that keeping Calvin safe meant eliminating all traces of gluten from their kitchen and daily routines.
“Not only do we have to avoid feeding him wheat products, but we also need to be vigilant about cross-contamination risks,” Dylan explained to Today.com. “We had to throw out everything in our kitchen that could harbor gluten—wooden spoons, cutting boards, pots with scratches, anything that might have hidden gluten. It was a massive undertaking, but we were determined to create a safe environment for Calvin.”
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A Brighter Future for Calvin
The hard work and dedication paid off. After making these adjustments, Dylan happily reported that Calvin’s health has improved dramatically. “Since we removed gluten from Calvin’s diet, his hair stopped falling out, the rashes disappeared, his ear pain is gone, and he no longer complains about headaches or stomachaches,” she shared.
It’s inspiring to see how the Dreyer family has rallied together to support Calvin through this challenging time. Their story is a reminder that with love, patience, and perseverance, families can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
