Ellanor Siefkes’ Bone Marrow Transplant

What started as a series of unusual infections for Ellanor turned into a hospital stay in June of 2020 where we learned that her neutrophil counts (the body’s front-runner defense against bacteria) in her blood were severely low. For six months we worked with the hematology department at Children’s Hospital to try to determine a root cause of this deficiency. Ella continued to deal with infections on a regular basis. Testing found that she has a genetic mutation that causes neutropenia, and she has been diagnosed with ELANE mutation Severe Congenital Neutropenia. Because of the severe nature of the infections she is prone to she started G-CSF shots in December of 2020 to stimulate production of her neutrophils enough so that her neutrophil count can come above 500 and keep her body in a better position to deal with daily life. The G-CSF shots have greatly improved Ella’s quality of life, keeping her neutrophil count in a much better position to fight off infection. Hematology continues to monitor her closely, and a bone marrow biopsy is planned to get a better idea of the exact nature of her neutrophil production. The care at our local hospital has been excellent as we navigate Ella’s daily life; we’re grateful.  Thank you for your prayers for Ellanor. 

As of October 2021 we are moving forward with the bone marrow transplant option.

For more information, please visit caring bridge.

Visit Ellanor's Site:

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ellanorsiefkes

We will be working out many logistics in the next couple of months.  As a family of eight there are many precious people to care for and a lot of moving parts!  There will be many adjustments and some difficult days ahead.  We pray.  We know Jesus will go with us.  Please pray for us.  Wisdom for the logistical decisions we will need to be making.  Strength for our weariness.  Comfort for our hearts as we go through this with Ellanor.  For Ella’s doctors to best advise us and care for her.  For her safety and her health.  For her joy.