Nate Starycki and his family are enjoying life since his recovery from organ transplant surgery. (submitted/Jennifer Starycki)

By Josh Ryan

Hope for Nate

Starycki family enjoys first holiday season post recovery

Jan 12, 2022 | 5:00 AM

Like many families, the Starycki’s are looking forward to a new year, just with a major change in routine.

Jennifer and Dane’s 13 year-old son Nate, (whose journey from living with gastroschisis to organ transplant surgery has been well documented by multiple outlets, including battlefordsNOW) is now free from medical devices, after having his port removed shortly before the holidays.

He said it’s been a relief.

“The first time in almost 14 years that I haven’t had anything in my body,” he said. “I can go in the water whenever I want, shower, hot tub, etc.”

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An ileostomy a few months back, in order for the operating team in Toronto to do biopsies regularly, was what Nate and his mom called a game changer. Now, he’s adjusting to eating more like his siblings and friends.

“I can have pretty much have anything I want, except for really sugary stuff,” he said. “I get hungry every like, five minutes.”

(submitted/Jennifer Starycki)

Refreshingly normal gathering

The Maymont based clan celebrated Christmas and New Year’s with extended family, but had the pleasure of doing so at another household, rather than having to host. Jennifer said it was a new experience for both her and Nate, but added that they welcomed not having to keep track of equipment and food consumption.

“We’d host a lot, so we didn’t have to carry all of these things,” she said. “So this year, without those bags of medical equipment and other things, other family members got to host. We were going to do a video of Nate’s stuff, when it used to be two suitcases and now it’s just a pill case.”

“We were just as average as everyone else. That was the cool part.”

Starycki echoed her son’s sentiment on his new eating habits.

“Dane and I have heard many times that they can’t believe how much he eats now,” she said. “It’s kind of eye opening how much people were engaged in his day-to-day stuff.”

She added that she’s also been struck at the adjustment to letting him and interact with his brothers and cousins without specific supervision.

“We both appreciate me letting him do that,”? she said.

(submitted/Jennifer Starycki)

While the Starycki’s are avoiding international travel for a while yet, they are planning to go to Edmonton soon, which will allow Nate to have a go at the West Ed Water Park. As they begin 2022, Jennifer thanked everyone who provided support

“We’re so thrilled and grateful to everyone who supported us,” she said. “We wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”

She added that they are going to continue to advocate for organ transplant awareness and sell t-shirts that the proceeds of will support the Ronald McDonald House.

When asked about what he’s most looking forward to, Nate’s answer was simple.

“Getting to go to school and be with my friends.”

More on “Hope for Nate” is available on Facebook.

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports