Addison's Army

This is our niece Addison.  She is the bravest little girl we know!  But Addison, and her family could really use your help! Here is her story:

 In March of 2012 she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia.  It is a life threatening disease in which the bone marrow, and the blood stem cells that reside there, are damaged.  This causes a deficiency of all three blood cell types, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.  In most cases the cause is unknown.  The definitive diagnosis is by bone marrow biopsy.  Addison has endured several of these.  She spent several months at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio where they determined that her best cure would be a bone marrow transplant.  Her brother Pierce, who was three years old at the time, was a perfect match.  She went through chemotherapy in preparation for the transplant, and it was a success. Their lives were getting back to normal. 

Unfortunately, in January of 2014, Addison had a relapse. She started immunosuppressive therapy in February and spent many weeks in and out of the hospital. She could not finish school with her classmates, but had the same tutor helping her complete her first grade year. In September, Addison received a stem cell transplant from her bother Pierce.  All was good and she was on her way to leading a healthy life. 

Again in February of 2015 Addison suffered another relapse.  She was in and out of the hospital receiving platelets and blood.  She was put on a drug to help “reboot” her system.  Again everyone was hopeful that this would work.  Unfortunately the drug did not.  So, on August 20,, 2015 Addison’s mom, Melanie, donated her bone marrow to once again save Addison.  She went through chemotherapy and radiation in preparation for the transplant.  Now, 8 years old, she decided that she wanted to cut her hair and donate it before she would lose it to the chemo. She has such a sweet soul! She is doing well, a little tired, a little sick and unfortunately bored from being in the hospital for such a long period of time. 

And now for the hard part, waiting to see when her body will accept the transplant!  The best guess for her to return home is 6 to 8 weeks. 

So we wait and pray and hope….

Their entire family has been through so much these past 3 years.  Our brother Kurt and sister-in-law Melanie take turns driving downtown spending the night at the hospital with Addison.  They switch every day so that they can continue to work. Family and friends have helped by watching their other two beautiful children, Pierce (6) and Morgan (4) and making meals.

 After 3 ½ years I’m sure you can imagine, the hospital bills are mounting and they sure could use your help! Thank you so much, in advance, for taking the time to read Addison’s story!