DBA causes a dramatically increased risk of cancers. In some cases the only viable option is bone marrow transplant.

Treatment consists of long-term steroid therapy or regular blood transfusions; to date Charlotte has had 8 blood transfusions. At present Charlotte is well and her haemoglobin level remains stable but this could change any time.

Regular blood transfusions cause excess iron, which would kill her if not treated.

Charlotte could be looking at additional treatment, which is administered by a needle in the tummy, connected to a pump and takes 12 hours a night for 5-7 nights each week.

Currently the only cure is a bone marrow transplant from a genetically matched sibling. If there is a brother or sister who is a bone marrow match some families are advised to consider bone marrow transplant.

Survival rate following bone marrow transplant is far higher if the donor is a matched brother or sister. At present Charlotte doesn't have any brothers or sisters.

Cord blood collected at the birth of a new baby can be used for the same procedure as a bone marrow transplant.

Our aim is to give Charlotte the best possible chance of survival. All monies raised will be used to pay for the treatment and genetic screening required to have a much wanted addition to the family, who does not have DBA and is a genetic match for Charlotte.

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