Help Baby Porter Beat Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome

The Gottwig family is in the midst of battling a rare genetic disorder known as Wiscott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS). This is an incredibly rare genetic disorder affecting roughly 1 in 1,000,000 male infants. Fighting this disease requires extensive medical treatments to overcome in a race against the clock. We are humbly asking for help in funding the fight for their precious baby’s life and help in our search for a lifesaving bone marrow donor.

Their 10-month-old son’s name is Porter Marie Gottwig. His recently diagnosed disorder (WAS) arises from a child’s bone marrow and results in an inability to produce platelets (cells that facilitate blood clotting) and a severely compromised immune system. WAS initially presents as Eczema, severe allergic reactions, and swollen lymph nodes. As it progresses, rashes and inflammation become increasingly pronounced and as platelet levels continue to fall, instances of bruising and bleeding begin to rise. At this point, the slightest bump results in major bruising and the slightest scratching of his constantly itching skin results in bleeding.

Day to day care is extensive. The ever present and unavoidable staphylococcus infections require rigorous cleaning regimens, replacing clothing and sheets several times per day and multiple midnight baths to alleviate the rashes, itching and bleeding. It also includes an incredibly strict diet for his nursing mother to avoid any high histamines and/or allergens passing through her breast milk. Despite their best efforts, Porter requires regular hospitalizations for the various viral illnesses due to his body’s inability to fight off minor infections.

Now that they have the diagnosis, the real treatment begins. The family will be meeting with multiple specialists around the country to prepare for regular blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and an eventual bone marrow transplant. Porter’s survival ultimately depends on these treatments. Be The Match will help us find a compatible bone marrow donor for their son. Finding the perfect match is critical in saving his life. Anyone can register to see if they are a match. With these treatments, Porter will overcome WAS and go on to lead a rich and fulfilled adult life. Our hearts are heavy but hope shines through. Please help us find the match!

The Gottwig’s are a loving and vibrant family doing all that they can to help their son. Porter is surrounded by his kindhearted sisters, Sterling and Ruby, his dedicated father, Travis, and his selfless mother, Courtney. They live in the Pacific Northwest and take every opportunity to explore all that it has to offer. Porter loves to experience the great outdoors with his sisters, and they are eager to resume their adventures once these trying times have passed with the help of our community.

*** All donations received from the GoFundMe drive will be used directly for Porters medical care and financial support to allow his family to maintain their focus on their child rather than expenses. Funds will be used for covering out of pocket medical bills, travel costs for out of state specialists, and peripheral treatment necessities (i.e. hypoallergenic replacement sheets/clothing, lotions, ointments, etc.). Donations will also help alleviate the struggles with general living costs caused by missed working days for his father who has become the sole income provider to allow Porter’s mother to be present throughout months of treatments and extended hospital stays. We thank you in advance for any donations, words of encouragement, and most importantly, visiting BeTheMatch.org to see about the quick and easy options for becoming a donor.