Dear Friends and Kind Strangers,
My name is Ana, and I am reaching out to you with a heavy heart for my beloved sister, Sofia Valdes. Just a month ago, our world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia—a rare and life-threatening blood disorder that has shaken our family to its core.
Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This condition affects only about 2 out of every 1 million people each year in the United States, making it a rare and severe diagnosis. The causes can vary widely, often linked to autoimmune processes, certain medications, infections, radiation, or exposure to toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, we do not know what triggered Sofia’s condition. One day, she was her vibrant self, and the next, she was covered in bruises, leading us to an emergency room where our lives changed forever.
Our family has had to make unimaginable sacrifices. My mom has stopped working to become Sofia's full-time caregiver, attending every appointment and providing the love and support she needs during this harrowing time. I am her bone marrow match and will be undergoing the donation procedure under general anesthesia on October 15th, with the hope of giving her a chance at life and healing.
The financial burden has become overwhelming. I am currently the sole source of income for our family, aside from the small but heartfelt donations from friends and family. I’ve had to miss work to accompany Sofia to her appointments, and now, both my mom's and my cars have broken down.
We humbly ask for your support to help us cover our monthly living expenses—rent, food, and other necessities that have suddenly become our reality. Your generosity can make a world of difference during this incredibly challenging time.
Every contribution, no matter how small, will help us navigate this storm and bring hope back into Sofia’s life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering helping our family. Together, we believe we can overcome this.
With love and gratitude,
Ana