A man from the West Side of Chicago keeps defying the odds, even though he was born with a rare condition that caused his organs to be positioned outside his body.
More instances of the genetic disorder are being reported throughout the country, and Darryl Hall from the Austin area is working to encourage other affected individuals and their families.
No one would be aware of Hall’s health struggles by just a brief look.
“Simply reflecting on life, realizing that I’ve experienced a difficult period, you know, dealing with life in terms of my health condition,” he said.
Hall, from Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, was born with gastroschisis, a medical condition where a baby’s internal organs are located outside the body at birth.
“Built up through numerous surgeries during childhood,” said Hall.
Hall remembers that his early years were unique. During elementary school, he struggled with tasks that other children found easy — his parents prevented him from participating in sports.
“As I grew older, I began to understand that everything they shielded me from was actually what shaped my mindset, formed my foundation, and helped me grasp my own situation,” said Hall.
Gastroschisis is a condition that occurs in approximately one out of every 2,000 newborns each year in the United States. Even after surgical interventions, digestive issues can continue to affect patients, preventing them from gaining weight.
However, at the age of 23, Hall has managed to deal with his condition. He is now employed as a chef — a passion he discovered when he used to watch cooking programs with his mother during his childhood. Yet, while viewing those shows, he also observed chefs preparing delicious-looking meals that he was unable to consume.
The dietary restrictions Hall faced during his childhood enabled him to channel that passion into satisfying his taste buds and creating dishes with care for others.
Hall is also a motivating musical performer.
Although he has overcome his condition, Hall continues to visit Northwestern Memorial Hospital for routine examinations.
“Darryl’s success is just as uncommon as he is as a person,” stated Dr. Harold Boutte, a gastroenterologist with Northwestern Medicine.
Boutte has been treating Hall for many years.
“It’s a lifelong commitment, which is partly why I chose this path as a doctor, since I get to build relationships with my patients,” Boutte explained.
The two developed a connection.
It’s not a single day that he doesn’t ask me, ‘OK, what’s happening?'” Hall said. “I need to provide a detailed account of what’s going on with me, and it makes me feel supported, knowing there’s a team behind me.
July is dedicated to raising awareness about Gastroschisis. Although Hall is a positive example, the data indicates an increasing number of babies are being born with this condition — however, the reasons remain unknown.
When circumstances are uncommon and hereditary, it’s challenging to examine, difficult to investigate, and tough to conduct trials on such cases,” said Boutte, “so you’re typically responding to what you discover, rather than taking proactive measures.
Hall shares his experience to provide hope for affected families.
You shouldn’t abandon yourself or feel like everything is lost, because, you know, it’s a journey. It’s part of your path,” said Hall. “That’s what shapes your character. That’s what strengthens you.
