Listen up. This is important for the aplastic anemia community—especially for children who’ve been diagnosed with this serious condition.
The Dana-Farber Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Hospital in Boston, MA is leading the way to treat children who’ve been diagnosed with aplastic anemia. In my opinion, it’s definitely one of the finest centers in the country. They’ve got top-notch treatments access, clinical trials, and a host of some of the BEST specialists in the country!!
If I had a child who’d been diagnosed with aplastic anemia, I’d make it a priority to learn about the best treatment plan possible—and soon.
Why?
If you’re new to aplastic anemia, it’s important to understand that the disease is serious and can be fatal in adults and children if left untreated. There is no cure for the disorder—UNLESS you have a successful bone marrow (stem cell) transplant. Though that also happens to be a very serious, sometimes life-threatening procedure itself.
The human body is a magnificent machine when it runs properly, but when “something” interferes with the process, serious ramifications result. It’s a delicate balance.
Red and white blood cells, along with platelets, are produced in the bone marrow. Hemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells, transports oxygen throughout the body’s tissues and lungs. Meanwhile, to fight infection, white blood cells are crucially important to have as this is their primary responsibility. Platelets on the other hand are produced to help the blood to clot and coagulate.
With aplastic anemia, bone marrow production is weak and can’t produce enough platelets, and red and white blood cells.
Without enough red blood cells, people become symptomatic with fatigue, because their hemoglobin is low. Without enough white blood cells, the body can’t fight off infections and people become sick more frequently. Additionally, if the body can’t produce enough platelets, people bruise more easily and run the risk of bleeding out.
Please, if you have a child with aplastic anemia, do not delay getting your child seen by a specialist at a leading hospital like Dana-Farber.
