Fight 4 Allyson:
Strength through Others
I
nspiring all with her beautiful smile and her cheerful demeanor, Allyson Funk is a bubbly five- year-old girl from Owensboro, Nick who is full of life. Durcholz When she was born Staff Writer she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called Fanconi Anemia (FA), a very illusive and lethal disease. It is a form of aplastic anemia which results in the hindrance of Allyson’s bone marrow from efficiently producing all types of blood cells needed to ensure a fully-functioning circulatory system. Ultimately, it can affect every organ, tissue, and system in the human body. The normal life expectancy of an individual afflicted with this disorder is somewhere between 20 and 30 years of age. Allyson has reached a daunting pinnacle in her fight with FA. It is now absolutely necessary for her to receive a Bone Marrow Transplant to give her the best shot at overcoming her critical ailment. Her loving and dedicated mother Liz has decided to make semi-permanent residence in Cincinnati. Liz’s goal is to take traveling off the list of stressors for her daughter while she is undergoing radiation treatment and chemotherapy at the city’s children’s hospital to clear out Allyson’s existing bone marrow. New bone marrow has been found for Allyson and while the transplant is in progress she will be given medication to subdue her immune system allowing it to accept the new bone marrow. Allyson has a long and winding road to travel to a full recovery. In light of the substantial pressure on Allyson and Liz, even the smallest gesture of kindness gives them strength to make it through another day. While Allyson and Liz are eons away from ever admitting defeat, the everyday grind of treatments compounded with other common stresses of life is a taxing combination. More importantly such a procedure incurs an expense so large it is obscene. There will be and have been many efforts to raise money for Allyson’s intricate operation including a concert at Taylor’s or Parrish Avenue in Owensboro, KY on September 26 and also a pre-order of delicious Boston Butts. • 24 •
Allyson began the chemotherapy and high doses of radiation on September 17th and her bone marrow transplant took place on the 24th. She entered hospital isolation immediately following the procedure and remain there for four to six weeks so the medication to suppress her immune system has sufficient time to take effect. She will not be out of the woods until 100 days after the transplant. In this span of time her body could reject the new bone marrow. Even after she exits the hospital she will have to live with strict guidelines limiting her contact with other people because of her weakened immune system. After several months she will be allowed to return to Owensboro but will still have restrictions to prevent her from contracting illnesses from outside sources. Allyson and her mother Liz both have high hopes for success but any type of help, any type of foothold to help them win this epic battle is greatly appreciated and necessary. To learn more or to join the fight for Allyson go to www.fight4allyson.com.
www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro October 2009