Each month we donate a portion of our sales to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. This month’s recipient is Lucas.
At a 20 week ultrasound, it was discovered that Lucas had a limb abnormality as well as thickened ventricle walls of his heart. Because of slow growth, weekly ultrasounds took place to ensure Lucas was receiving the nutrition that he needed. Lucas had a non-stress test performed which he did not pass, meaning he needed to be born via emergency cesarean that night. Lucas weighed 4 pounds 10 ounces and was 15 inches long.
Immediately after birth he experienced heart and lung failure. He received three transfusions and was put on a ventilator. Lucas’ parents worked with a geneticist to discover that he has Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA), a genetic disorder that was passed from his mother even though she has no signs of this condition.
DBA is an incredibly rare genetic condition that is a bone marrow failure syndrome. It affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells and can also come with limb abnormalities in about 20% of individuals with DBA. There is no cure for DBA. Right now at 4 months old, Lucas’ life depends on transfusions and he receives one every nine days. As he grows up he may qualify for other help such as steroids or a bone marrow transplant, and he will also require different operations throughout his life.
Lucas is the light of his parents’ eyes. He loves warm baths, being sung to, and exploring his surroundings. The Legendairy Littles donation will help his family with ongoing medical and travel expenses as well as helping in times where his parents, both of whom are teachers, are needing to be away from work. If you would like to donate directly to Lucas’ family, they do have a GoFundMe. Lucas’ parents would also like to encourage everyone to consider giving the gift of life through blood donation as this truly does save lives.
https://gofund.me/9039809d