Eden man continues to beat the odds

Amid the festivities of their daughter Emily’s sixth birthday party, Dave and Sue Engle received a devastating phone call that changed their lives forever.

The call was from Dave’s doctor with the reason why Dave had been feeling ill for the past few weeks: he was diagnosed with a rare genetic lung disease known as Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

“We were told he would only live five years,” said Sue. “At the time we had four little children.”

Miraculously, 20 years after that fateful phone call in 1992, Dave is still fighting his disease. The battle has not been easy.

Previously a very active person, Dave had to give up many of his favorite past times, including going on family hikes and bicycle rides and playing baseball.

“It has altered Dave’s ability to do many things as a husband and a father,” said Sue. “Our family had to learn a new normal.”

Even standing in large crowds, or smelling strong odors, such as perfumes or food cooking in a restaurant, can set off Dave’s lungs, Sue explained.

This past summer, Dave’s health took a turn for the worse. Fluid started to build up in his abdomen — a sign that his liver was failing.

“We never saw the liver problems coming,” said Sue, who watched in horror as her 6-foot, 205 pound husband rapidly lost close to 50 pounds.

Dave was hospitalized twice per week to get his abdomen drained.

“The last time it was drained, they collected 18 pounds of fluid,” Sue said.

Around Thanksgiving, Dave was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic in need of a double lung and liver transplant. However, as Dave’s health continued to fail and a match for three organs from the same donor was not yet found, Dave’s doctors were forced to forgo the lung transplant and focus on the liver transplant if Dave had any chance of surviving.

“They didn’t think he could make it through,” Sue said. “We called in our family members to say goodbye.”

Yet once again, Dave was determined to hold on.

After receiving a new liver earlier this month, Dave was able to return home to his family and his house in Eden.

“Having this new organ is a miracle. We know we are blessed,” said Sue, who added that their deep-rooted faith has helped them persevere as a family through these trying times.

“I would have never made it this far without my faith, or my wife,” Dave said. “She is my backbone.”

Sue added that, even at a young age, their children have been an excellent support system for their parents and for one another.

“The children have been absolutely phenomenal. We have all learned how to take care of one another,” Sue said.

On Saturday, March 3 from 2 to 7 p.m., a benefit will be held for the Engle family to help defray the cost of Dave’s mounting medical bills. Located at the American Legion Post No. 880, 880 Legion Drive in Eden, the fundraiser will offer food, drinks, games, basket raffles, split clubs and music from Country 106.5 WYRK Disc Jockey Brett Alan.

The benefit has a baseball theme, in honor of Dave’s favorite sport. Popcorn, peanuts, crackerjacks and cold beer will be provided to attendees.

Most importantly, Upstate New York Transplant Services will be present at the benefit to provide information on organ donation.

“We are encouraging everyone to be an organ donor,” said Sue, who hopes Dave’s story helps raise awareness about the gift of donating.

“There are so many people in the U.S. waiting for an organ. It’s heart-rendering,” she said. “If this benefit even helps one person to sign a donor card, I will be so grateful.”

Sue also said that her family is “astounded” by the support of Eden and its surrounding communities.

“We have already received donations and responses to the benefit, and it has not even happened yet,” said Sue, her voice full of emotion.

A second-grade teacher at Grover L. Priess Elementary School, Sue noted that the staff and administration of the Eden School District have been wonderfully helpful to the Engles, as has the Wesleyan Church of Hamburg and other area churches.

“It is always hard to have to ask for help,” Sue said. “But this experience has been so humbling. We are so grateful to everyone.”

Tickets for the fundraiser are $20 for adults ages 21 and over, $10 for young adults ages 11 through 20 and free for children ages 10 and under. For pre-sale tickets, call Dessie Engle at 713-5516.