Alek Fights to beat Aplastic Anemia
Donation protected
This funding campaign is to raise money for Alek Silva and the Silva family as they tackle a rare and difficult diagnosis of Aplastic Anemia for Alek.
You can read their full story and keep up with updates here: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/aleksilva
Alek's Journey So Far...
This summer Alek has had significantly lower energy levels, a major bloody nose that didn't completely stop for 3 days and he had some strange red dots on his skin, which we learned later was called petechiae. On July 24th we took him to his doctor who ordered blood tests. On July 25th, we got the worst call from his doctor. This was the start of our nightmare. He said Alek's platelet levels were dangerously low (platelets are what help clot your blood) and we should get Alek to UC Davis Medical Center right away. It was the most stressful drive to Sacramento we have ever taken. We were told to drive very careful in the slow lane and if Alek gets a bloody nose or starts to bleed at all pull over and call 911. By the grace of God we made it safely to UC Davis Medical Center ER.
After many tests, and multiple blood and platelet transfusions, on Wednesday, August 8th, we received the diagnosis of aplastic anemia, which is when your bone marrow doesn't make platelets, white and red blood cells. There are 3 major treatment options for aplastic anemia - the first and best option being a stem cell transplant from a matching sibling. His little brother was unfortunately not a match, so we are proceeding with the next best option which is treatment via medication and ongoing transfusions as needed. You can read more about our current treatment plan and status on the Caring Bridge site.
Alek and Alicia are staying at the Ronald McDonald house next to UC Davis, unless Alek has to be admitted, then we stay at the hospital. Each time he gets a transfusion if he develops a fever he has to go from the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center by ambulance, which is a 0.1 mile drive. Alek has been able to keep a good positive attitude and takes the rides as just one more story he can tell.
Current State
As mentioned, Alicia and Alek have to stay in Sacramento for the time being. Alek seems to take one step forward and then a few back, as his body is not equipped to fight any sort of infection. While they are hopeful he will get to return home at some point, that would still mean returning to Sacramento twice a week for treatment. Derek and Declan are back in Redding so Derek can continue his work as a teacher, and Declan can try to have as normal a daily life as possible as he starts first grade. As you can imagine, the expenses of staying at the Ronald McDonald House (while discounted, is not free), plus gas back and forth to their home in Redding, plus a hotel when Derek comes to visit (because their room at Ronald McDonald is not large enough for all of them to stay), as well as continued groceries and eating out money have all added up...and that is on top of medical bills. Combined with the fact that Alicia had to give up her jobs to stay and care for Alek, it's just been a tough time financially that doesn't really have an end in sight.
What is The Need? How Can You Help?
Many people have been asking how they can contribute or help out financially, so I (Rebekah Massmann) have started this gofundme page on behalf of the family. If you know the Silvas, you know they are not inclined to ask for help! And yet, they are always the first ones to reach out and help others. Let's show them some of that love and support back by taking care of some of the day-to-day expenses and worries for them, so they can focus on taking care of each other and Alek. (Once set up, I'll be transferring the page over to them. All funds will go directly to them.)
1) Donate to this gofundme account so they can use the money as needed.
2) Donate by sending gift cards to the family (message the Alek's army team or email Alicia directly), Target, Walmart, El Pollo Loco, Dominos, gas cards, etc.
3) Donate by paying part of their balance at Ronald McDonald house (if you are interested in doing this, send a message for more info)
4) Pray for the family, for Alek's healing, for Alicia as the primary caregiver, and for Declan and Derek as they are apart. Also pray for Alicia's mom Kathy who has been such a blessing as an extra set of hands and an extra caregiver wherever she has been needed.
5) Share!
THANK YOU for your care and love!
You can read their full story and keep up with updates here: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/aleksilva
Alek's Journey So Far...
This summer Alek has had significantly lower energy levels, a major bloody nose that didn't completely stop for 3 days and he had some strange red dots on his skin, which we learned later was called petechiae. On July 24th we took him to his doctor who ordered blood tests. On July 25th, we got the worst call from his doctor. This was the start of our nightmare. He said Alek's platelet levels were dangerously low (platelets are what help clot your blood) and we should get Alek to UC Davis Medical Center right away. It was the most stressful drive to Sacramento we have ever taken. We were told to drive very careful in the slow lane and if Alek gets a bloody nose or starts to bleed at all pull over and call 911. By the grace of God we made it safely to UC Davis Medical Center ER.
After many tests, and multiple blood and platelet transfusions, on Wednesday, August 8th, we received the diagnosis of aplastic anemia, which is when your bone marrow doesn't make platelets, white and red blood cells. There are 3 major treatment options for aplastic anemia - the first and best option being a stem cell transplant from a matching sibling. His little brother was unfortunately not a match, so we are proceeding with the next best option which is treatment via medication and ongoing transfusions as needed. You can read more about our current treatment plan and status on the Caring Bridge site.
Alek and Alicia are staying at the Ronald McDonald house next to UC Davis, unless Alek has to be admitted, then we stay at the hospital. Each time he gets a transfusion if he develops a fever he has to go from the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center by ambulance, which is a 0.1 mile drive. Alek has been able to keep a good positive attitude and takes the rides as just one more story he can tell.
Current State
As mentioned, Alicia and Alek have to stay in Sacramento for the time being. Alek seems to take one step forward and then a few back, as his body is not equipped to fight any sort of infection. While they are hopeful he will get to return home at some point, that would still mean returning to Sacramento twice a week for treatment. Derek and Declan are back in Redding so Derek can continue his work as a teacher, and Declan can try to have as normal a daily life as possible as he starts first grade. As you can imagine, the expenses of staying at the Ronald McDonald House (while discounted, is not free), plus gas back and forth to their home in Redding, plus a hotel when Derek comes to visit (because their room at Ronald McDonald is not large enough for all of them to stay), as well as continued groceries and eating out money have all added up...and that is on top of medical bills. Combined with the fact that Alicia had to give up her jobs to stay and care for Alek, it's just been a tough time financially that doesn't really have an end in sight.
What is The Need? How Can You Help?
Many people have been asking how they can contribute or help out financially, so I (Rebekah Massmann) have started this gofundme page on behalf of the family. If you know the Silvas, you know they are not inclined to ask for help! And yet, they are always the first ones to reach out and help others. Let's show them some of that love and support back by taking care of some of the day-to-day expenses and worries for them, so they can focus on taking care of each other and Alek. (Once set up, I'll be transferring the page over to them. All funds will go directly to them.)
1) Donate to this gofundme account so they can use the money as needed.
2) Donate by sending gift cards to the family (message the Alek's army team or email Alicia directly), Target, Walmart, El Pollo Loco, Dominos, gas cards, etc.
3) Donate by paying part of their balance at Ronald McDonald house (if you are interested in doing this, send a message for more info)
4) Pray for the family, for Alek's healing, for Alicia as the primary caregiver, and for Declan and Derek as they are apart. Also pray for Alicia's mom Kathy who has been such a blessing as an extra set of hands and an extra caregiver wherever she has been needed.
5) Share!
THANK YOU for your care and love!
Organizer and beneficiary
Rebekah Hardwick Massmann
Organizer
Sacramento, CA
Derek Silva
Beneficiary