Now 11-year-old Logan Fitzpatrick, who lives in Malvern, New York, spends his time playing baseball, practicing taekwondo, painting and rooting for the Mets and Islanders. But behind the scenes, he continues to manage eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic allergic disease of the esophagus that makes swallowing and eating painful and difficult.
After years of searching for answers, Logan and his family found continuing specialized care through the Pediatric Gastroenterology Program at New York University Langone’s Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital. There, Logan’s condition is medically managed with treatment, monitoring, nutritional guidance, and behavioral health support. Logan is sharing his experience to mark World EoE Day on May 22nd. He and his family want to raise awareness about the increasingly recognized childhood disease and encourage other families to seek answers if symptoms persist.
Look beyond “just a stomach bug”
As a child, Logan frequently complained of stomach pains. Over time, his parents, Stephanie and Tim Fitzpatrick, also noticed that he was vomiting, coughing, and having increasing difficulty eating.
“When Logan was a baby, there was obviously nothing surprising at first,” Stephanie said. “He had difficulty feeding, cried during feedings, and threw up frequently, but we just assumed he had colic.”
As his symptoms continued, the Fitzpatricks repeatedly took Logan to the pediatrician, who often told them that he likely had recurring gastroenteritis.
“For years, his main complaint was ‘I have stomach pain,'” Stephanie said. “We were always told it was probably just another stomach bug.”
Still looking for a solution, Logan’s parents sought out a pediatric gastroenterologist. At age 5, Logan underwent an endoscopy at a local hospital and was diagnosed with EoE. This was a disease I had never heard of before.
In 2021, the family transferred Logan’s care to Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital for more specialized long-term management of the condition under the care of pediatric gastroenterologist Melanie K. Greifer, MD.
EoE occurs when eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions, accumulate in the esophagus, causing chronic inflammation that interferes with swallowing and eating. EoE is often described as part food allergy and part dysphagia, with symptoms varying by age and often mistaken for more common childhood symptoms. ”
Melanie K. Greifer, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterologist
In younger children, symptoms may include eating disorders, vomiting, poor weight gain, and abdominal pain. Older children may avoid certain foods, eat very slowly, or need large amounts of water to swallow comfortably. If left untreated, inflammation can cause narrowing and scarring of the esophagus, increasing the risk of food becoming stuck.
Once considered rare, EoE is now one of the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal conditions in children, with experts estimating that the disease affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people. Researchers believe that increased awareness, improved diagnosis and an increase in allergic diseases are contributing to the rise in case numbers.
“Early diagnosis is critical to preventing long-term complications and helping children maintain a healthy relationship with food,” Dr. Greifer said.
Specialized pediatric gastrointestinal care that goes beyond diagnosis
At Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, Logan’s care includes ongoing monitoring through the Pediatric Gastroenterology Program, medication management, nutritional guidance, and behavioral health support. That whole-child approach is supported by the hospital’s Sarah Institute for Child and Family-Centered Care, where psychologists and certified child life specialists work with clinical teams to help children and families cope with the anxiety, food-related fears, and stress associated with treatment for chronic conditions.
Because symptoms do not always reflect the level of inflammation in the esophagus, children with EoE may have repeat upper endoscopy with biopsy to monitor how well treatment is working. During the procedure, your doctor uses a small camera to examine your esophagus and collect small tissue samples that show whether the inflammation is improving.
“Children with EoE are not only dealing with symptoms, but many are also dealing with concerns about eating, medical procedures, and feeling different from other children,” Dr. Greifer said. “Our goal is not only to control the disease, but to help children regain confidence in food and feel like kids again.”
Logan is currently receiving an injectable biological therapy called dupilumab, which targets the immune pathway that causes inflammation in the esophagus. For Logan, treatment means biweekly injections. It’s part of an ongoing routine his family has built around managing EoE.
For Stephanie, one of the most important lessons from this experience was learning how to advocate for her child.
“Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion,” she said. “Do your research and find someone who will listen.”
Living with EoE also changed Logan’s relationship with food. As the family navigated dietary restrictions, Stephanie began baking gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free treats so Logan could enjoy birthdays, holidays, and celebrations without feeling left out. What started as a way to support her son eventually grew into a broader effort to help other families cope with food allergies and eosinophilic disorders. She started a business called Rare Treats Baking Company.
Finding comfort through creativity and community
With the support of his care team and family, Logan found ways to manage the emotional aspects of living with a chronic illness. Art is one of his favorite outlets, especially on therapy days.
“After his biweekly dupilumab injections, he often requests extra time to draw as a calming reward,” Stephanie said. Earlier this year he sold some of his artwork at a local farm in Malvern.
Beyond treatment, Logan and his family are advocates for EoE awareness through the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) and connect with other families living through the disease.
“Talking to other families changed everything for us,” Stephanie said. “It gives me peace of mind to know that I am not alone in going through the difficult days of EoE.”
Through APFED, Logan connected with children across the country living with EoE. He shares tips for managing biweekly injections, including using lidocaine numbing cream beforehand and choosing a fun activity afterward.
Logan kicked off National Eosinophil Awareness Week (May 17-23) by hosting a lemonade stand that raised nearly $400 for APFED.
Logan recently earned his black belt in Taekwondo and was invited to join the dojo’s instructor program. He also pitched a complete game victory for the baseball team, going 4-3.
“He turned this whole experience into something positive for others,” Dr. Greifer said. “That’s what makes his story so special.”
Stephanie hopes sharing Logan’s story will inspire other families to look for answers when symptoms persist.
“Food should not be harmful,” she said. “Children don’t have to suffer in silence.”
