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Universities Team Up to Fight Fanconi Anemia

November 5, 2014; Posted by: WeBleed staff

Game between Florida State University and University of Virginia on Saturday is more than just your average football game.

(NOVEMBER 10th UPDATE – SCROLL DOWN)

There will be a special awareness campaign this Saturday for the rare anemia disorder, Fanconi anemia (FA).  For those who are unaware, FA affects 131,000 people annually and nearly 100 percent of patients need high-risk bone marrow transplants before adulthood. Those with FA have an average life expectancy of only 29 years old.

Two collegiate football coaches, Florida State University’s Jimbo Fisher and University of Virginia’s Mike London both have children fighting Fanconi anemia. The odds of two head coaches having children with this disease are one in 990 billion.

According to an article by the Tallahassee Democrat, the teams will take to the field in Tallahassee on Saturday with “I Fight Fanconi” Kidz1stFund decals on the backs of their helmets in support of nine-year-old Ethan Fisher and 18-year-old Ticynn London as well as all others living with FA.

“Sharing the sidelines and bringing awareness to Fanconi anemia with Coach London is an honor,” said Coach Fisher. “At the end of the day, there is nothing more important than family, and Coach and I are fighting for much more than a football victory during this game.”

kidzfirstfund

To learn more about the fight against Fanconi anemia, click this link.

UPDATE:  No. 2 Florida State beat Virginia 34-20 on Saturday evening.  Both teams wore special decals on their helmets to raise awareness for Fanconi Anemia.  A good game, if you are a Seminoles fan…but a great way to show support, raise awareness, and to use sportsmanship to promote a feeling of community.  Well done FSU and Virginia…well done!

fanconifootball

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