Jesse - City of Phoenix, AZ

Jesse

Claudia thought her two-month-old son, Jesse, just had a bad cold in March of 1999. No mother wants to think their child could possibly be suffering from a serious illness. When Jesse started to have severe difficulty breathing, she realized that his condition could be serious. She rushed him to Mesa General Hospital.

Tests revealed that the baby was severely anemic - his red cell count was at three when it should be around 40. Jesse's condition was so serious that they flew him to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix in a helicopter.

A bone marrow biopsy at St. Joe's revealed that Jesse had a rare condition. Known as Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA), his bone marrow does not produce any red blood cells. Doctors recommended an immediate blood transfusion and began treating him with steroids to stimulate his marrow to produce red blood cells. Unfortunately, the steroid therapy was not effective, so Jesse's doctors put him on a schedule of blood transfusions every four weeks.

Like many people, Claudia assumed that blood transfusions were always available. "I am very thankful for people who are willing to donate blood regularly," Claudia said. "They are my heroes. It's the greatest gift they could give, and my son is alive today thanks to their generosity." Claudia is hoping to organize a blood drive at her husband's work in the near future.

"I am very thankful to regular blood donors. They are heroes to me and my son."

Today, Jesse is an active 8-year-old who loves to play baseball, soccer and football. Claudia makes

sure he is a "regular kid" like his older brother and younger sisters. He loves to read "Harry Potter"

books and he has received 107 red blood cell transfusions. Because little is known about DBA,

Jesse's condition is carefully monitored during his

Testimonial Summary

frequent doctor visits. "I don't take little things for

Age:

8 years old

granted any more," Claudia states. "Jesse's smile gives me the strength to get through life's

Illness/Injury:

Diamond Blackfan Anemia challenges."

Treatment:

Monthly blood transfusions; 107 to date

Jesse is in second grade and lives with his family in Mesa.

05/07

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