A Strong

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A-Strong!!

Adriana was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, Thalassemia Major, just 2 weeks after birth. Having Thalassemia Major will be a life-long battle, but because of her treatment at the Valerie Center, Adriana will live her best life. Since 3 months old, Adriana began to receive blood transfusions every 3-5 weeks to give her body hemoglobin, which it can't produce on it's own. To date, she has received over 100 life-saving blood transfusions. Adriana takes medication daily to help her body deal with the constant transfusions and remove the excess iron to keep her body healthy. Because of the many possible side effects of this life-saving medicine, Adriana also gets yearly MRI's, multiple monthly tests, and sees many different specialists. Living with Thalassemia is not easy; the constant IV's, the anxiety of doctors, and the medications can all be hard to deal with for a little girl. Adriana makes us so proud being the little warrior she is!

The Valerie Center has become like family to Herm, Adriana and I. From the moment they comforted us when we were shocked with her diagnosis, to comforting Adriana when she is scared, they keep our spirits up and hope going. Adriana currently spends a whole day at the hospital every 3 weeks. During her long day there, they make our girl feel special and keep her spirts high!

We have met so many young children and their families there, fighting cancer or receiving treatment for blood disorders. They all agree that the treatment, care and support system is what gets them through the rough days. Please come join us and support the Valerie Fund- we'd love to see you walk with Team A Strong on June 6th, and if you can't make the walk- any donation to the Valerie Fund would be greatly appreciated.