Kids
Cancer Research Trust assisted young Sam Douglas, from Highton in Victoria
who has been diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s Disease, with a treatment
support grant of $5000.00 in April this year.
Sam is only 1 year old and his family has struggled
with the ongoing costs associated with treatment. These funds were able
to be provided following the fundraising efforts of family friend, Grant
Gibson, in conjunction with Kids Cancer Research Trust.
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What
is Hirschprung’s Disease?
Hirschprung’s Disease generally occurs in children. It is a disease
of the large intestine, also commonly called the colon. The bowel includes
the large and small intestine. The symptoms are constipation, which means
the bowel movements are inhibited. In some cases children do not have
bowel movements at all. The stool creates a blockage in the intestine.
If Hirschprung’s Disease is not treated, infection, bursting of
the colon and even death can occur.
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Why
does Hirschprung’s Disease cause constipation?
Children with the disease do not have the muscles in the intestine to
push the stool to the anus, where the stool leaves the body. Specific
nerve cells in the intestine, called ganglion cells, make the muscles
push. Children with Hirschprung’s Disease do not have the nerve
cells in the last part of the large intestine.
To find more information about this disease please view the website www.nih.gov
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