Viewfinder ~ Ryan Arnold

[Kelly]

18 yr. old Ryan Arnold, a great kid and recent high school graduate, is critically ill and was admitted to St. Mary's hospital in Apple Valley.  He will be transferred to Loma Linda as soon as a bed becomes available.

His white blood cell count was only 4 (should be between 70-100) last week and via blood transfusions, his white cell count is now up to 24.  There is no clear diagnosis yet... test results are pending.

He is in need of blood donors and a bone marrow donor.  Please go to your local blood banks and donate blood in Ryan's name.  He will get credit for your donation and receive the much needed blood.

I ask that you pray for his full recovery and for his family at this time.

Thank you,

Kelly Phelan

[Keith Jones - VP]

This subject is on the D37 off-road message board. The is more info there on disease and what can be done to help. Thanks Kelly for posting this up. Ryan and Family, stay strong and beat this thing. Keith

[Kelly]

Ryan has been diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia.  He was transferred to Loma Linda today at 1:00 pm.  Please continue to pray for him and donate blood if possible.

Thank you,
Kelly Phelan

Aplastic Anemia
What is Aplastic Anemia?
Coursing through your bloodstream are red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, which all are important to your health. These blood components are produced in your bone marrow - the red, spongy core of many of your bones.

Anemia occurs when blood is low in red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. Without enough red blood cells, your body can't get all of the oxygen it needs and you feel fatigued.

In aplastic anemia, the bone marrow stops producing enough new blood cells. This means that you have not only a deficit of red blood cells but also a shortage of white blood cells to fight germs and platelets to help blood clot. You're at higher risk of infections and uncontrolled bleeding.

Aplastic anemia is not a single disease, but a group of closely related disorders characterized by the failure of the bone marrow to produce all three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Aplastic anemia is rare, affecting fewer than 1,000 people each year in the United States. The exact cause of aplastic anemia is unknown, although it has been linked to exposure to chemicals such as benzene and radiation. It is also believed that some cases of aplastic anemia are inherited and that some cases are due to a viral infection.
The cause is a mistaken immune system response that destroys bone marrow. A condition known as secondary aplastic anemia can develop when bone marrow is damaged by cancer, chemotherapy, certain medications, pregnancy or exposure to toxic substances.
Treatments may include observation for very mild cases, medications, blood transfusions and bone marrow transplantation. Once considered nearly always fatal, aplastic anemia has a much better prognosis today thanks to advances in treatment.