Elsie Anne Brooks

Sweet, adorable Elsie Anne Brooks was born August 11th. Everything was going smoothly with no signs of trouble until her 2 week doctor appointment checkup. That morning, her doctor had gotten a call that Elsie's newborn screening showed low lymphocytes and tested positive for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). This is the same disease of the "bubble boy" from the 1980's. Basically, it means that she has no immune system to fight off infection. Fortunately, California requires that all newborns are tested for SCID, and Miss Elsie's was caught while she was still protected by Kate's immune system, passed to her through the placenta. But soon, Elsie will only be able to rely on her own weakened immune system. Thank God that there is now a cure for this disease, especially effective when caught so early. Elsie will need to have a bone marrow transplant. Once a match is found, and the new marrow injected into her bloodstream it will replenish her immune functions "“ essentially building a whole new, functional immune system. Elsie will be staying at UCSF Children's Hospital for a minimum of 2 months, which will include the bone marrow transplant. Kate will stay with Elsie full time while Justin and Bretta will visit as much as they can. Your prayers and wonderful support is appreciated!
For more information visit:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elsiebrooks/journal


The funds raised on this page go directly to Kate (Elsie's Mom). They will be used to help with the financial burdens they have incurred since Elsie's diagnosis.