Eli's Battle Against Aplastic Anemia

The early part of May 2021 we started noticing our son Eli(11yrs old) having some random bruising on his body. We thought, just like any other parent of multiple children(especially boys), that this was due to wrestling with his brother. On Friday, May 14, 2021 we noticed some more bruising and decided to go ahead and make an appointment to get it checked out. About 30 minutes after the Dr’s appointment the doctor called and told us to go immediately to the ER because his blood work came back at critically low levels. They initially suspected leukemia or some type of internal bleeding. However, after two bone marrow biopsy procedures and several platelet and blood transfusions he was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia. This is a very rare condition that is only treatable with a bone marrow transplant. Also known as a stem cell transplant.  This treatment is associated with lots of risks and serious complications. Additionally, the chemotherapy that is used in preparation for the transplant is very intense and difficult on the patient. The best statistically proven donor is a sibling of the patient. We are currently waiting to hear back from DNA saliva swabs that were collected on June 23rd to see if one of his siblings might be a match. At this point, the plan is to transfer his treatment/care to Saint Jude’s in Memphis Tennessee where the bone marrow transplant will take place.  The exact timing of this is uncertain at this time. The doctors mentioned that the treatment duration will be anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months depending on how things go.

 

Several people have asked how they can help. The meals, gift cards and money we have already received have been such a blessing! We know we will have additional travel expenses, lost time at work, eating out on the road, etc. and have had some family members start a go fund me page for us.  If you’d like to help in this way please click here.