Feature by Eric Nagle '17, Marketing Communication major and Endicott baseball pitcher

BEVERLY, Mass.  – To begin 2016, the vast majority of Americans tossed their hats into the ring for a chance to win the record-setting $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot. This incited a public frenzy; news stations, social media feeds, and dinner time conversations did not go untouched by the theoretical 'if-I-win-I'd-do-this' mantra.

Realists would quickly interrupt the rambling to bring the statistics to light. The most important figure: the 1-in-292 million chance of pulling in the monumental payout. And although we pretend to have a grasp on that probability, we really, really, really don't.

On the other hand, Ryan Drew, an eighth grader at Josiah Bartlett Middle School in Barlett, N.H., has been dealt with strikingly similar odds. But in this case, it's not in the same limelight as a Powerball winner.

At an early age, Ryan was diagnosed with Tyrosine Hydroxylase Deficiency, a complication that effects only one in 205 million people across the globe. The symptoms of this rare Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease vary, but Ryan is affected most by constant fatigue, a compromised immune system, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and severe panic attacks. Ryan missed nearly 60-percent of the school year last spring from this disease and continues to battle it courageously on a day-to-day basis. These difficulties stem from a dopamine deficiency, a neurochemical that we feel after purchasing a Powerball ticket.

"It was really confusing, and when he was diagnosed he was never supposed to walk or talk," says Josh Drew, older brother of Ryan and catcher for the Endicott baseball team. "He was the youngest person diagnosed with [THD], and before him no one really lived past the age of 15, but he got treatment so early."

The Drew family, inspired by the strength of their youngest son, have passionately fundraised throughout the years and financed a TH Deficient Mouse Model at John Hopkins University to research deeper into this extremely rare disease. However, a new undertaking is believed to drastically improve Ryan's quality of life and subsequently benefit other children living with comparable PND's.

With the leadership of Josh Drew, the Endicott baseball team, and the local community, a fundraiser is taking place to pair Ryan with a Little Angel Service Dog.

Little Angel Service Dogs, a non-profit organization headquartered in Southern California, trains man's best friend for those living with disabilities or diseases like Ryan's. A Little Angel companion creates a comfortable space boundary in large crowds, uses deep-pressure therapy, and can even detect when a panic attack is imminent for their owner. While improving everyday life for Ryan, information gathered from this will be shared with the medical community and benefit children with similar complications.

"It gives them what a security blanket would be to a child," explains Carlen Haag, the fundraising coordinator for Little Angels Service Dogs. "They can identify signs that would not normally be visible to the human eye. We teach them how to calm a person, how to sense the triggers that are going on in each individual. And if you ever looked into a dog's eyes even when you're having an awful day, you can't help but to feel a little bit better."

This fundraising dinner will be held at Gully's on the Endicott College campus at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 27th. "Pitching in for Paws" is using ticket sales, individual monetary contributions, and a silent auction anchored by generous donations from New England businesses to raise money. All proceeds from this event will go towards the Drew Family's effort to pair Ryan with a Little Angel.

"It puts into perspective what we want to accomplish at our time at Endicott," says baseball captain Nick Quattro. "Being so close to Josh over these four years, we see it first-hand how awesome his family and brother is, and the difficulties they go through. I think we can make a big impact doing it, we're a great avenue for the family to use us to raise money for this cause."

Although the Drew's may not have an additional $1.6 billion to their disposal, Josh says his family is more than fortunate. "Obviously it's difficult but he's one of the strongest people I've ever met."

To donate, please contact Josh Drew at josh.drew16@gmail.com.