18-year-old student athlete in remission after battle with Crohn’s Disease on and off the field

PENDER COUNTY (WWAY) — “If you find the right person, the right doctor, and the ones who are really on your side to try to help you out, I think you’ll be ok.”

Words of wisdom from student athlete Kendal Hansley. The 18-year-old was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2018. What some doctors originally diagnosed as mere growing pains was something more serious.

“You know I started feeling real sick, you know stomach cramps and stuff like that. It started getting worse over time, like really in December. On Christmas night actually I was admitted into the hospital, Christmas Night 2016,” Hansley explained.

After exploring his options for healthcare providers, Hansley started seeing Dr. Jeff Dehmer, Pediatric Surgeon at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Dehmer says his relationship with Hansley and his family grew even stronger than Dehmer could have imagined

“Very, very special. The world is filled with such negativity now and Kendal and his family, they’re what make this job worthwhile. I have not had a family that I’ve felt so close with and so in touch with in quite a while. They’re wonderful people,” said Dehmer.

At one point, the disease caused Hansley to drop from 200 to 94 lbs. Following his surgery and numerous health challenges, Hansley says he was determined to do what he loves; playing football. On his senior night, Hansley invited Dr. Dehmer to the game.

“To be invited to be with their family and to be included with all of the important people in his life was probably the most touching thing anyone patient as every done for me,” said Dehmer.

Hansley says no touchdown on the field is more valuable than the friendship he has with his doctor.

“Dr. Dehmer, you’re my lifesaver man. Thank you, I love you man,” Hansley explained.