Skip to main content

We’ve updated our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. By using this site, you agree to these terms.

“He has always had tremendous stamina and he’s not one to complain,” explained Tannersville’s Ron Frazier of how shocked he was when his son, Royce, pulled himself out of a basketball tryout.  "He came to me and said he wasn't feeling well. I told him to sit for a while and rest. He sat for about 5 minutes and then went back in. In another 5 minutes he was back saying his stomach was hurting and he couldn't do any more." Upon the recommendation of their family doctor, Ron and his wife, Louise, took their son to see a gastroenterology specialist at Janet Weis Children's Hospital.  “Before this, I had not heard of the Geisinger," Louise said. "From the minute we got there, we were treated as if we were the only patients in that hospital… you felt that someone cared about what was going on..."  Dr. Martin Maksimak, Royce’s specialist, delivered the family a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, an inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract that can cause abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia and malnutrition. Royce started with oral medications but when they didn’t relieve his symptoms, he was put on IV treatments, which he still receives every eight weeks.  Today, the gifted athlete, now 15, plays for his high school baseball and basketball teams as well as a baseball club and travel team. “I’m into sports, obviously, and the girls,” Royce said. “I am one of those adventurous people. I like to go on hikes. I like to jump off cliffs. I don't know where you would categorize me."  "Somewhere between crazy and cool," joked Louise. "No, just crazy," Royce laughed.  "Just a typical teenager with a lot of energy," Ron interjected. "Needs to figure out how to burn it off." #GeisingerStories
 
Baseball player crouched to catch the ball
Content from General Links with modal content