a special message from a friend’s (a. scarpelli/scrappy) family members in need of help:

“I am asking for your help on her behalf. My sister is currently in Minnesota now trying to save my goddaughters life through a cord blood transplant. They will be there for 6 months or more. The process is very difficult on the family and Gabriella. If she does not attempt this procedure she may not live past the age of 10. She will be starting Chemo this week and the transplant will take place in 10 - 12 days.

I ask for your prayers and thoughts while they go through this difficult time. Thank you to everyone for all your love, prayers and support during this roller coaster of events. Although the situation is horrible, it is beautiful to see people from all walks of life pull together for one common goal - saving a baby girls life. The outreach has been awesome. I am glad to know that Gabriella has touched so many lives and I pray that she has many more years to do just that.

In order to keep everyone informed of Gabriella’s progress, we created a web site http://www3.caringbridge.org/nj/gabriellamichele/ which we will update weekly. Please pop on and take a look. We would love to hear about what is going on outside of the hospital, so take a minute and post a note. Thanks for any help you could give.”

Mucolipidoses (ML) are genetic lysosomal storage disorders caused by the body’s inability to produce specific enzymes. Normally, the body uses enzymes to break down and recycle cells after the cells die. In affected individuals, the missing or insufficient enzyme prevents the normal breakdown and recycling of cells resulting in the storage of these cell deposits in virtually every cell of the body. As a result, cells do not perform properly and will cause progressive damage throughout the body, including the heart, bones, joints, respiratory system and central nervous system. While the disease may not be apparent at birth, signs and symptoms develop with age as more cells become damaged by the accumulation of cell deposits.

help can come through donations or prayers. please do what you can.

Filed under: Friends and Family