Bone marrow drives held for 2 month old with rare condition
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By Robin Schwartz, Fox 2 News -
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (MyFox Detroit) -
A 2-month-old baby girl needs help, maybe from a total stranger. She was born with a rare condition. But, doctors say a bone marrow transplant could save her. The search is on right now to find a match.
Click on the video player to watch Robin Schwartz's report.
She's new to the world, just eight weeks old. Alaina Hanoush is tiny and so fragile. The baby girl was born with severe combined immunodeficiency or SCID; only one in 20 people have it. Because of her condition, Alaina is isolated from the outside world. The baby, her parents and her 3-year-old sister can not leave their house. Being exposed to even a simple cold could be deadly.
"Because she has no immune system, Andy, her father, is unable to work," explained Bryan Kassa, a friend of the family. "He could get a flu or a virus of just a common cold which she's highly susceptible to. They have to be extra careful, constantly washing hands, the house, disinfecting everything."
Doctors say Alaina needs a bone marrow transplant but her sister is not a match. Other immediate family members are being tested and several bone marrow drives are underway. Dozens of people lined up Sunday at Mother of God Church in Southfield and St. George Chaldean Catholic Church in Shelby Township. Donors must be 18-44 years old, there's no cost, and all it takes is a simple cheek swab to potentially save a precious little life."
"There is a huge urgency," Kassa said. "We are praying and begging that all of those who hear about this will take the opportunity to come out."
Another bone marrow drive will take place Sunday, Feb. 3 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM at St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church, 6900 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield Township.
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