Support Valentina's Battle Against Severe Aplastic Anemia

A few weeks ago, our sister Michelle noticed a large, dark bruise on our 5-year-old niece Valentina, along with unusual red and purple spots on her chest. On Thursday, June 6th, Michelle took Valentina to the pediatrician to examine the rash and bruise. The pediatrician also observed that Valentina's eyes were slightly yellow. After initial blood work, they urged Michelle and Dan to take her to a nearby hospital immediately. There, her blood work revealed extremely low platelets and highly elevated liver enzymes. That day, she received a platelet transfusion to boost her platelet count, but it was short-lived as her platelets dropped again over the next few days.

The doctors ordered a bone marrow biopsy to determine the underlying issue and develop an appropriate treatment plan. In preparation for the biopsy, Valentina received another platelet transfusion to prevent bleeding.

On June 10th, the doctor informed Michelle and Dan that Valentina has Severe Aplastic Anemia. Although we were relieved it wasn't leukemia, aplastic anemia is a rare but serious blood disorder where the bone marrow stops producing new white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, making Valentina immunocompromised and prone to serious bleeding. After receiving the diagnosis, Valentina was discharged but with extremely limited activities. She was instructed to avoid school (no pre-K graduation), playgrounds, and outside visitors due to her immunocompromised state. She is not allowed to run around, swim, attend camp, or play with other kids.

The following day, she developed a fever of 101°F and had to return to the hospital. After staying the night and receiving intravenous antibiotics, she was able to go home again. After following up with the hematologist, they presented two treatment options, one of which is more invasive, requiring chemotherapy, radiation, and possibly a bone marrow transplant, depending on a matched donor. The doctors mentioned that the closest match for a transplant would be a sibling.

Alessandra was tested and came back as a 9/10 haploidentical match. Although she is not a perfect match, recent studies in the treatment of Severe Aplastic Anemia suggest that pursuing Alessandra as a donor is the best course of immediate action[1]. Valentina's care will be transferred to a hospital in NYC to better assist her on this difficult transplant journey. She will be hospitalized for 30-60 days to receive and recover from her transplant. Alessandra will also have to undergo a procedure in order to donate her bone marrow to her sister and will need to be hospitalized while she recovers. Both parents plan to remain by their bedside through this difficult time.

While awaiting test results, Valentina has had several follow-ups with the hematologist and has needed several platelet transfusions and two blood transfusions. She was started on antibiotics to prevent infection due to her immunocompromised state. She is undergoing additional testing, blood work, and imaging in preparation for her bone marrow transplant, which will take place in a few weeks.

We still don’t have an answer as to what could have caused this attack on her liver and bone marrow. The doctors suggest it was likely a virus that has already left her body, and we may never know what it was. Her physical in May was perfect.

As you can imagine, medical bills and other expenses will be ongoing, and we want to ease their minds during this time so they can focus on Valentina and her healing. We are grateful for any donation you can offer to support them through this challenging journey.

Please continue to pray for our sister Michelle, our brother-in-law Dan, Alessandra, and Valentina. Pray for a miracle, a successful transplant, and that Valentina’s body accepts it and heals.

We thank you all for your support and generosity during this difficult time ❤️

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1- Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. (2018). Severe aplastic anemia: allogeneic bone marrow transplantation as first-line treatment. Blood Advances, 2(15), 2020-2029. https://ashpublications.org/bloodadvances/article/2/15/2020/15973/Severe-aplastic-anemia-allogeneic-bone-marrow