Julia Underhile's Rare Blood Disease
I am 19 years old, and after multiple blood tests, being transferred to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago from CGH in Sterling, Illinois, and having a bone marrow biopsy done, November 7th 2016, I was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia. SAA is a blood disease that causes my bone marrow to only produce 2% of the White cells, Red cells, and Platelets that my body needs. Due to my lack of White cells I am neutropenic meaning I am unable to fight infection, or sickness. I take multiple medications daily to prevent cold, flu, and infections. I am unable to work, and must stay out of public as much as possible, wash my hands multiple times a day, as well as stay clear of anyone who is sick. I drive an hour and a half to Rockford, IL twice a week to receive blood and platelet transfusions which usually takes up the entire day. I'm in need of a stem cell/bone marrow transplant and currently waiting for a donor. After the transplant I am required to live in Chicago for a minimum of 3 months to be close to my transplant doctor, and will be taking immune suppressants (possibly for the rest of my life) to fight against Grapht Versus Host Disease (meaning my new bone marrow would attack my skin, and organs). My insurance does not cover all of the treatments I need and may not cover my transplant, along with it will not cover the housing I will live in during my recovery. Because of the round of medicines and chemotherapy I will need for the transplant, I must also freeze my eggs in order to have children in the future, and the procedure alone will be $10,000+, which my insurance will not cover. This procedure is so so important to me.. anyone who knows me could tell you I am a mother by nature. I know adoption is an option, but I would like to first do everything I can to carry my own child, or at least have a surrogate. Children are my life and having a child of my own is my only deep desire in life. It is all I ask for aside from getting well.
Besides myself, I am also currently taking care of my 17 year old sister, Amber. My fiance works, however we still do not make nearly enough to cover everything I/we need/will need medically or in day to day life.
We have a very long road ahead of us and could use all of the prayers and help we can get. Thank you in advance to anyone who donates, it is more appreciated then we could ever explain!!!!
God bless.
- Julia.
