Hi Friends,

Our daughter, Anja (11), is bravely facing a medical diagnosis called GATA2 deficiency. We’d like to share with you a bit about this condition and the treatment that Anja will undergo in the coming months.

GATA2 deficiency is a rare genetic condition that prevents Anja’s immune system from working correctly. Currently, her bone marrow is not producing enough healthy cells, and some of the cells she does have are genetically abnormal. Without intervention, this condition would likely progress to leukemia. To prevent this and "reset" her immune system, Anja must undergo a bone marrow/stem cell transplant.

The Journey

Anja has undergone baseline testing for organ function. On November 19th, she had surgery for port placement and an oophorectomy for fertility preservation.

The National Marrow Donor Program, in coordination with our amazing team at Saint Louis Children’s Hospital, has identified a donor who is a 10/10 match.

The Path Ahead

Anja will be admitted to the hospital on December 28th to begin high-dose chemotherapy which will eliminate her current bone marrow cells. This will prepare her body to receive the donor cells on January 7, 2026 – Transplant day.

Anja will remain in the hospital for approximately 6 weeks, followed by 6 months of strict isolation at home to protect her new, fragile immune system. Her follow-up care will continue for at least two years.

How You Can Help

As we focus on supporting Anja through this intensive process, the financial reality of long-term medical care persists. We are raising funds to help cover:

About Anja

We’ve always known Anja is special. Years ago, a friend described her as 'cheeky'; she couldn't have been more than three or four at the time. Yet it remains the most apt description of her, perfectly capturing the essence of her vibe. She is authentically herself, from dyeing her hair purple and buzzing it to holding hands when we watch TV or walk through the mall. She is true to herself.

She is thoughtful and caring. She keeps family and friends close, making special efforts to connect – a video chat or text to family out of state or spearheading family game night. She is smart and perceptive. She is conscientious, driven to do her best. She is a pleaser, a rule follower. Along with a dry sense of humor, she is witty and sarcastic. She is reserved until she gets to know you and then can be hilarious, outgoing, the life of the party, a performer. She is brave.

This fall Anja embraced junior high and the opportunity to try new things. She is a flyer on the Fulton Junior High School cheer team. She enjoys the camaraderie of the group and really enjoyed her first team competition. She is incredibly strong and determined. She tumbles and is working on her back handspring.

Anja is also a member of the choir but has previously played the guitar and saxophone. She enjoys music of all kinds, but her recent favorites are Taylor Swift and P!nk, though she especially loves musicals like Hamilton and Wicked.

We are so incredibly grateful for the medical team at Saint Louis Children's Hospital and for the outpouring of love we continue to receive. Your support—whether through a donation, a prayer, or a kind word—means the world to us and to Anja.

With Love,

The McPhersons