5-year-old Gia Danninger was diagnosed with aplastic anemia last year. Ever since, it’s been a constant battle for her life, but Gia fights with courage.
This rare blood disorder causes the body’s bone marrow to halt the production of new blood cells because of damaged stem cells. This results in chronic nosebleeds, bleeding gums, paleness, fatigue, and a heap full of other problems. To learn more about aplastic anemia, click here.
The process started when Gia’s mother discovered some odd bruising on her legs and arms. At an initial checkup with her pediatrician everything appeared normal, until a call shortly after the appointment changed everything.
This went deeper than normal kid bruising.
The diagnosis was in for this strange disease, and thus began a strange new world of hospital treatments that lasted several painful weeks. There were five potential matches for a bone marrow transplant, and it came down to one generous German man who would do the deed.
On the days proceeding, Gia’s spirits were lifted and she found inspiration through Wonder Woman. Her hospital room was decorated with the artwork of the Amazonian, and cards from family and friends that covered her walls. She looked up to the comic book hero as she battled for her own life.
After the successful transplant, Gia remained in the hospital for 57 days before she was allowed to go home. During this time, Gia was a curious cat, asking the nurses what they were doing and how they were doing it. Even when her blood was being drawn, she wouldn’t look away. She was curious to the bone.
