Olivia Gardner’s Fight!!

Olivia's story began on 4/4/2018 after a routine blood draw revealed a low platelet count. Repeat draws showed her white, red and platelet counts drifting down. Olivia felt fine even with these decreasing numbers. They were referred to Hematologist at NW Medicine/Lurie Children's Hospital on 4/16/2018. They  quickly began to do a series to tests to diagnosis the cause of the low counts. On 4/24/2018 Olivia was admitted into the hospital for critically low blood counts. They first treated her with an IVIG infusion to rule out a condition called ITP. Unfortunately Olivia did not respond to this treatment, so on 4/25/2018 Olivia underwent a bone marrow biopsy. The bone marrow smear  resembled a rare blood disorder called  Aplastic Anemia. Olivia was stabilized with two platelet transfusions and released home later that week. The family was tested for a bone marrow match for a possible transplant. While waiting for results she was seen in the clinic twice a week for blood draws and transfusions. On 5/1/2018 we received final bone marrow results confirming diagnosis of Aplastic Anemia. On 5/9/2018 they were informed that there was not a 10/10 match in our family or in the donor data base to do a transplant. It was at  this point they met again with Olivia's team of doctors to establish a treatment plan with Immunosuppressive Therapy. On 5/14/2018 Olivia will be admitted into ICU to begin treatment. This has turned the entire family upside down. They continue to stay positive and are very thankful for their family , friends and the team of doctors and nurses. Please continue to keep Olivia in your prayers.!!! 
As you all know medical treatment, time off from work, and travel back and forth to the hospital will take its toll on this family. 
Hoping to raise some money to help During this very stressful time for Dennis, Kathy and Jillian and of course, Olivia!  Please keep prayers coming and keep Olivia and all of the Gardner’s in your daily thoughts