Anabella Long, A Precious Child in Need
A Rugged Elegance Inspiration Network Exclusive by Jennifer King
During the week of February 25 -29th, massage therapists all over Marin are donating their services for Anabella Long, a little girl who has a rare blood disorder.
Anabella was born last April to Gina and Joe Long, and big brothers, Cole and Sawyer. Upon her first bath in the hospital, nurses noticed she was not able to move her arm. After many months of testing, watching her body bruise and praying for an answer, they believe she has a very rare blood disorder called Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia (AMT).
Unfortunately, Anabella's body does not produce platelets. Platelets are blood cells required to form clots whenever we are injured or are cut. Since Anabella makes none of her own, she is at great risk of developing a life-threatening bleed from even the smallest of injuries. To prevent this, she requires platelet transfusions almost weekly, and has a permanent intravenous catheter inserted into one of her large veins for this purpose.
Not only are donated platelets exceedingly rare and hard to come by, but eventually her immune system will start to react against the platelets, and subsequent transfusions will become less effective over time.
In the near future, Anabella may require a bone marrow transplant. Because she has no full siblings, her Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant team is currently looking for a donor who is an appropriate "match."
As her hematology/oncology pediatrician, Dr. Lam said, "Every child deserves a chance at a full and happy life, and little Anabella is no exception."
Her parents are praying they will be able to raise enough funds to help defray the high medical expenses associated with her care.
If you live in The San Francisco Bay Area, the Longs would be grateful for any "hands-on" support they can get.
Alive and Well! Institute of Conscious Body Work in San Anselmo is donating their space and massage therapists are donating their time. A one hour massage is $60.00, and all of the proceeds are donated to the Anabella Fund.
Additional therapists will be donating massages, tips or collections from their private studios throughout the week, as well.
All the therapists donating their time encourage you to:
Buy a Valentine's Day gift certificate for a friend!
Set up a massage appointment for yourself!
To schedule a massage or to purchase a certificate, please contact Sarah at 415.250.9761
If you are anywhere else in the world, you can help too. Here's how:
Other Ways You Can Help Anabella
Make a Donation
Checks for Anabella's are being received by The Bank of Marin.
Please send a check to:
The Anabella Fund
c/o Bank of Marin
4460 Redwood Hwy.
San Rafael, CA 94903
You can also go directly through PayPal via: The Anabella Fund
No membership to PayPal is required, it's easy, first time users are welcome and it only takes a few minutes!
Donate Your Own Blood
Anabella requires regular platelet transfusions and once in the hospital for transplant she will require daily blood and platelet transfusions. Unfortunately, since has begun needing these daily transfusions, there has been a blood and platelet shortage in the Bay Area. In fact, there have been delays in her getting transfused -- due to the shortage.
Anabella can take any blood type for platelets. Her blood is type A+, however, she can take on the blood type of any donor.
If you already donate blood on a regular basis, as my mother does, you can ask that Anabella become the specific recipient. I did this recently for a friend who was going in for a heart valve operation, and wanted to make 100% sure he got "clean" blood.
All blood donated in Anabella's name will replace whatever blood she uses, but because all platelets have to be used within five days, the hospital requests that platelet donations not be designated only for Anabella.
Blood & platelet donations can be arranged via: UCSF's Mount Zion
Find a blood center in the Bay Area through: UCSF Blood Centers
Donate Your Bone Marrow
Anabella currently does not have a bone marrow match.
To join The Bone Marrow Registry, go to: Marrow.org
UCSF has create a comprehensive site that teaches you about their Bone Marrow Transplant Program. This site offers a Glossary of Terms, a Virtual Tour, Information Booklets, and more. To learn about what is involved with bone marrow transplants and to meet Anabella's doctors, go to: UCSF's Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant site.
Volunteer
Anabella's family and friends are looking for volunteers to help with upcoming events, to distribute flyers, to host fundraising events, or to give them your ideas. Please help this precious child in need by contacting her family at: The Anabella Fund
Join Anabella's Email List
By joining Anabella's email list, you'll be able to stay posted on her condition, her medical care and her progress. If for any reason you wish to no longer receive emails, you'll be able to use the same form to remove yourself from the list. Join here!
Spread The Word
Send this story and contact information to anyone you know who might respond.
Pray!
Please take a moment, right now, to pray for Anabella and her family.
Thank you!
Our hearts and best wishes go out to Anabella, Gina, Joe, Cole, Sawyer, their friend, Wendy, and all those who know this precious child, personally.
~Jennifer, a mother who has two daughters with Type 1 Diabetes, and appreciates all that the world is doing for her children's cause.
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