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Savannah's bone marrow transplant

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Savannah Mackenzie Goodman was diagnosed with a primary immune deficiency at the age of 6 at Duke hospital in NC. At age 13 the diagnosis became clearer. She had SCID, Severe Combined Immune Deficiency. She had no T cells, no B cells, but she had T cell function. Savannah has spent her whole life in and out of hospitals and doctors offices.  She has had to give herself weekly infusions,  even twice a week for quite some time.  Through it all she became an accomplished dancer, playing Clara in the Community Nutcracker and more importantly made straight A's all through school.  It paid off when she graduated Valdectorian from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.  Through all of her medical issues Van (as we all call her) had one dream.  It was to return to Duke where she was first diagnosed.   Savannah was accepted to Duke University to study pre-med and to eventually become a pediatric immunologist, treating children much like herself.  Savannah has been at Duke for two years.  Recently she began to be ill quite often.  Her amazing physician ran
a test only to give us the bad news.  Van's T-cell function has crashed.  She must have a bone marrow transplant.  It is not optional.  
Van is going to need the love, support, and care taking of her two moms Michelle, and Jill - who are teachers and two sisters Stella and Sofia.  Her family lives in St. Augustine, Florida and the procedure will be done in Durham, NC.  In order for the family to be with Savannah they will need to secure a place to stay, travel back and forth to Florida with her sisters, her mom has to go on family medical leave for 3 months where she will not receive a paycheck, they must continue to pay for health insurance, car payments, auto insurance, hospital bills, doctors co-pays, medicines, groceries  etc.
Savannah is in the fight of her life.  Her doctor referred to it as going to war.  She will have to endure strong chemotherapy and then the transplant.  She will be in isolation where her family will not be able to touch, hug, and kiss
her for three months.  However, this family is ready to fight, and so is Savannah. They are focused on what lies at the other end.  A healthy Savannah.  
We are so appreciative of anything anyone can do to help us get through this time.  We also appreciate your prayers and good wishes! Thank you so much!

Organizer

Jill B. Herkel
Organizer
St. Augustine, FL

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