Support Emma's Journey through Stem Cell Transplant

Hello, I am creating this fundraiser on behalf of my good friend and her daughter, Emma. Emma is about to embark on a life changing portion of her journey with Fanconi Anemia. This part of their story will require Amanda to stay home from work while caring for Emma and keeping her safe. She could really use our help ...

When I asked Amanda to share a few words about Emma and her journey, the following was her response:

Hello, my name is Amanda Barber. I am the mother of the most beautiful, sweet, loving, compassionate and funny little girl named Emma.

At just 6 years old, Emma is a LIGHT. Her smile makes everyday a little brighter and her laugh and energy is contagious.

At 6 months old, Emma was diagnosed with a very rare medical condition call Fanconi Anemia (FA).

Fanconi Anemia is a DNA repair disorder that highly predisposes Emma to numerous cancers and bone marrow failure which she is currently battling now.

As a parent to a child with FA there is not much we can do besides wait… We know that Emma will require a stem cell transplant and there is nothing we can do to prevent the inevitable.

Stem cell transplant is not a curative treatment for Fanconi Anemia. However, It is a life saving measure that is needed to treat her bone marrow failure. This procedure is not without significant risk, and is something no parent, or child for that matter should ever have to endure.

We spend our days trying to enjoy each moment. Emma wants so badly to do all the things kids her age are doing, like going to the park and gymnastics, and unfortunately at the moment these things are not safe for her due to the risk of injury due to bone marrow failure. As a mother, this breaks my heart and is a stark reminder of the disease that is robbing her of parts of her life that she should be enjoying at her young age

All I can ask is that Emma is held tightly in the hearts of all the lives she touches. The love and support means so much to us and is appreciated beyond words.

For more information in Fanconi Anemia, please visit www. Fanconi.org.