Today, 11-year-old Logan Fitzpatrick of Malverne, New York, spends his time playing baseball, practicing tae kwon do, drawing and cheering on the Mets and Islanders. But behind the scenes, she continues to manage eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic allergic disease of the esophagus that can make swallowing and eating painful and difficult.
After years of searching for answers, Logan and his family found ongoing, expert care through the Pediatric Gastroenterology Program at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, where his condition is medically managed with treatment, monitoring, nutritional guidance and behavioral support. Logan shares his story in recognition of World EoE Day on May 22. He and his family want to raise awareness of the increasingly recognized pediatric condition and encourage other families to seek answers when symptoms persist.
Looking beyond ‘just a stomach’
As a young child, Logan often complained of stomach aches. Over time, his parents, Stephanie and Tim Fitzpatrick, also noticed him vomiting, clearing his throat and having increasing difficulty with eating.
“When Logan was a baby, nothing seemed obviously alarming at first,” Stephanie said. “She struggled to nurse, cried during feeds and spat up often, but we assumed she had colic.”
As the symptoms continued, the Fitzpatricks repeatedly brought Logan to the pediatrician, where they were often told he was likely experiencing recurring stomach bugs.
“For years, his chief complaint was, ‘My stomach hurts,'” Stephanie said. “They kept telling us it was probably another stomach bug.”
Still searching for solutions, Logan’s parents sought out a pediatric gastroenterologist. At age 5, Logan underwent an endoscopy at a local hospital and was diagnosed with EoE—a disease they had never heard of before.
The family moved Logan’s care to Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in 2021, seeking more specialized long-term management of the condition under the supervision of pediatric gastroenterologist Melanie K. Greifer, MD.
EoE occurs when eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions, build up in the esophagus, causing chronic inflammation that can affect swallowing and eating. Often described as part food allergy and part swallowing disorder, EoE has symptoms that can vary with age and is often mistaken for more common childhood conditions.”
Dr. Melanie K. Greifer, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist
In younger children, symptoms may include feeding difficulties, vomiting, poor weight gain and stomach pain. Older children may start to avoid certain foods, eat very slowly, or need large amounts of water to swallow comfortably. If left untreated, inflammation can lead to narrowing and scarring of the esophagus, increasing the risk of food sticking.
Once considered rare, EoE is now one of the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal diseases in children, with experts estimating that the condition affects around 1 in 2,000 people. Researchers believe that increasing awareness, improved diagnosis and an increase in allergic diseases are contributing to the increase in cases.
“Early diagnosis is critical to prevent long-term complications and to help children maintain a healthy relationship with food,” Dr. Greifer said.
Expert pediatric gastrointestinal care that goes beyond diagnosis
At Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, Logan’s care includes ongoing monitoring, medication management, nutritional guidance and behavioral health support through the Pediatric Gastroenterology Program. This whole-child approach is supported by the hospital’s Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care, where psychologists and certified child life specialists work alongside clinical teams to help children and families manage anxiety, food-related fear, and the stress that can come with treating chronic illnesses.
Because symptoms do not always reflect the level of inflammation in the esophagus, children with EoE may have repeated upper endoscopy with biopsies to monitor how well treatment is working. During the procedure, doctors use a small camera to look into the esophagus and collect tiny tissue samples that can show if the inflammation is improving.
“Kids with EoE don’t just manage symptoms—many also experience anxiety about eating, medical procedures, and feeling different from their peers,” said Dr. Greifer. “Our aim is not only to control the disease but to help children regain their confidence about food and feel like children again.”
Today, Logan receives dupilumab, an injectable biologic treatment that targets the immune pathways that cause inflammation in the esophagus. For Logan, the treatment means taking it every two weeks—part of the ongoing routine his family has built around managing EoE.
For Stephanie, one of the most important lessons from the experience was learning to advocate for her child.
“Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion,” she said. “Do the research and find someone who will listen.”
Living with EoE also changed Logan’s relationship with food. As the family followed dietary restrictions, Stephanie began baking gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free treats so Logan could enjoy birthdays, holidays, and celebrations without feeling excluded. What started as a way to support her son eventually grew into a larger effort to help other families manage 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 has found ways to manage the emotional side of living with his chronic condition. Art has become one of his favorite outlets, especially on therapy days.
“After taking dupilumab for two weeks, he often asks for extra time to paint as a calming reward,” Stephanie said. Earlier this year, he sold some of his artwork to a local farm in Malverne.
Outside of treatment, Logan and his family have become advocates for EoE awareness through the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED), connecting with other families navigating the disease.
“Talking to other families changed everything for us,” Stephanie said. “There’s a level of comfort that comes with realizing you’re not alone in the difficult days of EoE.”
Through APFED, Logan has connected with children across the country living with EoE. She shares tips for managing the bi-weekly injections, including using lidocaine cream before and choosing a fun activity afterward.
Logan kicked off National Eosinophil Awareness Week (May 17 to 23) by hosting a lemonade stand that raised nearly $400 for APFED.
Logan recently earned his black belt in tae kwon do and was invited to his dojo’s leadership program. He also picked up a 4-3 complete game win for the baseball team.
“He’s taken all that experience and turned it into something positive for other people,” Dr. Greifer said. “That’s what makes his story so special.”
Stephanie hopes that sharing Logan’s story will encourage other families to seek answers when symptoms persist.
“Food shouldn’t hurt,” he said. “Children should not struggle in silence.”
