A Celebration of Aria's Life
Donation protected
Aria Gatzlaff was born with Fanconi Anemia, which is a genetic blood disorder that eventually causes bone marrow failure. There is no cure. Aria was severely affected in a number of ways: she was born blind and deaf, with missing thumbs and radii, and defects in virtually every organ system. The prognosis was bleak, but due to the ferocious love of her parents (Rachael and Kevin) and sister (Daisy), she lived an extraordinary life. She saw, after a cornea transplant. She heard, after a cochlear implant. She could walk with the assistance of a gait trainer. Amidst impossible adversity, she survived for almost five years--far longer than anyone predicted. Her existence was a joy to everyone she met.
Aria is at home resting comfortably in hospice care. She will feel no more pain, now or ever. Doctors estimate she only has a few days left to spend with her family, although she is the toughest child we've ever met. She may yet surprise us, but this has now become a battle that cannot be won. She has earned the right to be remembered, and her family wants to celebrate her legacy in a few important ways.
First, they want to send her off with a celebration worthy of her life, with things she and her family enjoyed most: music (karaoke) and fireworks! A casket, a burial plot, a monument, and other final expenses are always significant, and their family could use some help with these expenses.
Aria's mom enjoyed attending a musical theater program with her daughters at the Muncie Civic Theatre called Good Morning Starshine. We'd like to raise enough money to cover their operating costs for the next year in Aria's name. We anticipate that $5,000 would cover this need.
Aria's family had the pleasure of attending Fanconi Anemia Week at Camp Sunshine this summer in Casco, Maine, because of a scholarship provided by the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund. In attendance were families from all over the world. It was so comforting to be in the presence of others who were facing the same challenges, and they'd like to be able to use this fundraiser to finance travel scholarships for families who don't have the means to connect with others. For each additional $1,000 raised, we can allow another family to have the same meaningful experience that Aria's family did. Our goal is to fund 16 families for next year.
If you'd like to specifically direct a contribution to one of these priorities, please let us know and we'll accommodate that (the last two goals are tax-deductible if specifically directed).
Thank you for your support, and for being part of Aria's life!
Love,
Kevin, Rachael, and Daisy
Aria is at home resting comfortably in hospice care. She will feel no more pain, now or ever. Doctors estimate she only has a few days left to spend with her family, although she is the toughest child we've ever met. She may yet surprise us, but this has now become a battle that cannot be won. She has earned the right to be remembered, and her family wants to celebrate her legacy in a few important ways.
First, they want to send her off with a celebration worthy of her life, with things she and her family enjoyed most: music (karaoke) and fireworks! A casket, a burial plot, a monument, and other final expenses are always significant, and their family could use some help with these expenses.
Aria's mom enjoyed attending a musical theater program with her daughters at the Muncie Civic Theatre called Good Morning Starshine. We'd like to raise enough money to cover their operating costs for the next year in Aria's name. We anticipate that $5,000 would cover this need.
Aria's family had the pleasure of attending Fanconi Anemia Week at Camp Sunshine this summer in Casco, Maine, because of a scholarship provided by the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund. In attendance were families from all over the world. It was so comforting to be in the presence of others who were facing the same challenges, and they'd like to be able to use this fundraiser to finance travel scholarships for families who don't have the means to connect with others. For each additional $1,000 raised, we can allow another family to have the same meaningful experience that Aria's family did. Our goal is to fund 16 families for next year.
If you'd like to specifically direct a contribution to one of these priorities, please let us know and we'll accommodate that (the last two goals are tax-deductible if specifically directed).
Thank you for your support, and for being part of Aria's life!
Love,
Kevin, Rachael, and Daisy
Organizer
Kevin Gatzlaff
Organizer
Yorktown, IN
