Wrestler bouncing back from health setbacks

Todd and Babette Banducci are proud to sit in the stands and watch their youngest son wrestle for Lake City High School because he is doing what he loves.
Sophomore Marcus Banducci, 16, is a varsity wrestler for the Timberwolves in the 103-pound weight class.
Five months ago Marcus went in for his annual physical, but there was a problem. Doctors realized he had a thyroid imbalance.
He was referred to the pediatric endocrinologist at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital where he was put on medication and the doctor told him that the hypothyroidism “wasn’t a big deal.”
Once on the medication, Marcus’ body started to have a negative reaction and he started losing weight. Doctors conducted a battery of tests, but still had no idea what was causing the breakdown.
Shortly after Thanksgiving Marcus had lost 13 pounds and weighed 85 pounds. His parents took him back to the hospital where they discovered, through blood work, that Marcus had Addison’s disease. Undetected for months, the disease had been slowly depleting his muscle mass, ability to concentrate and causing fatigue.
Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol for the body. It is uncommon in adolescents. Cortisol’s primary task is to help the body respond to stress along with maintaining blood pressure and breaking down sugar for energy.
Once the doctors discovered the problem they kept Marcus overnight to inject large doses of hydrocortisone into his body.
“The bad medication to the thyroid medication was an unexpected blessing,” Todd Banducci said. “It caused such a strong reaction that it led to the discovery of the disease much quicker allowing it to be treated quicker.”
After being treated, the Banduccis described Marcus’ difference in energy as “night and day.” The doctors prescribed him three medications, which he will be taking for his the remainder of his life in order to control the disease. The challenge has been to determine the best dosage levels.
Marcus said his faith – not the needles – were a big reason why he pressed on through the tribulations.
“I hate needles,” Marcus said. “Not once though did I want to blame God. I just wanted to know what was going on and why it was going on.”
Marcus’ body made a tremendous recovery and after a little more than two weeks he was back on the team, wrestling in its second tournament of the year. Marcus finished the weekend with a record of 3-1.
“The doctors said my body would tell me how much I could go,” Marcus said. “It’s been tough though, because wrestling has always come naturally to me. But after this experience I’ve had to concentrate more and my body just doesn’t react the way I want.”
Although he performed well at his first tournament, Marcus realized he wouldn’t be back to 100 percent until well after the season. His coach, Don Callister, has always known how competitive a person Marcus is and knew they needed to discuss his expectations for the season.
“Up until he got sick it was always about winning,” Callister said. “We talked about what it was to be successful and we broadened his perspective. He was able to let his competitiveness take a back seat to gaining his strength back and getting healthy.”
Even after missing the first three months of preparation for his high school team, Marcus was still named a team captain. He’s been an inspiration and catalyst to the team and his teammates have always had his back.
“Since coming back from the hospital, the guys really rallied around me and my situation,” Marcus said.
His family has also been very supportive and right by his side during these past few months. They’ve been to many of his matches this year, but also gave him space so he can have the team experience without his parents.
“Marcus is a very buoyant kid,” Babette Banducci said. “He has bounced back very well and I’m proud of him for never asking ‘Why me?’ “
Marcus’ father has always played a big role in his son’s wrestling life and although it’s been tough for him this year to watch his son struggle through the season, he’s always been there to support him.
“We knew it was going to be a tough year,” the elder Banducci said. “I told him that he could use his experience and skill as a way to win some matches despite his illness.”
Marcus’ record this year is 13-6, compared to 24-7 last year that had him one point from placing in state. Although he hasn’t been at his best, he took third at the Kellogg High School tournament and goes into the district tournament today at Post Falls High School, most likely as the No. 4 seed, trying to guide himself back into the state tournament for the second year.
For the time being, it seems like he has already pinned his biggest competitor to the mat.