Fighting Fanconi Anemia

Fanconi Anemia is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder – meaning both parents must carry the defective gene for a child to get it.  So rare that it only occurs in 1 of every 350,000 births.

This particular type of anemia is the result of a defect in a cluster of proteins responsible for DNA repair.  As a result, Fanconi Anemia patients often develop cancer and 90% experience bone marrow failure.  60-70% of patients also have congenital defects – short build, abnormalities of the skin, arms, head, eyes, kidneys, and/or ears, and developmental disabilities.

6 year old Abigail Franzen of Central Illinois’ father, Daryl, described the moment that she was diagnosed to WAND TV, “Like you got hit in the gut. So you’re sitting in the doctor’s office and they say your child is going to have bone marrow failure.”

For now, Abigail is in and out of the hospital.

“A life span for somebody with Fanconi Anemia is 20-30 years old, even with a bone marrow transplant,” Abigail’s mother, Carol said.

With more hospital visits in her future and a bone marrow transplant, the Franzens expect their medical bills to be around $1 million.

If you are interested in supporting Abigail’s fight financially.  Please visit www.gofundme.com/2lvzfs.

Photo Credit: gofundme – Fighting Fanconi Anemia