Anna Rebecca was born on August 14, 2002.  In early October, 2002, at eight weeks of age, Anna came down with a cold and developed an unexplained fever.  She was eventually diagnosed with Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (FHLH) a very rare, life-threatening, blood disorder.  She was immediately treated with chemotherapy and steroids to get the disease under control.  Just one week after finishing her treatment protocol, on December 13, 2002, she relapsed as she developed  pneumonia.  Thankfully, she survived and was given another chance.  To be cured from the disease, Anna needed a bone marrow transplant.  In early, 2003, Anna had an unrelated bone marrow transplant in an attempt to save her life.  But at 9:55 a.m. on March 4, 2003, at the age of 6 months and 19 days, Anna's body was too tired and she died with her mommy and daddy holding her tight.  [For more detailed descriptions of Anna's fight against HLH, please see the diary links listed at the bottom of this page.]

But Anna's life is not only remembered by her illness and struggles.  As her family, we have many happy memories.  She may not have been with us for long, but she brought us much, much joy.
 

Thank You Anna!  We love you forever and always.

Diary

Please remember that Anna was given a second chance because an individual was willing to take time out of his life to donate precious bone marrow to Anna.  We are forever thankful for this person's decision to have his name added to the bone marrow registry. 

Could you be someone's Perfect Match?

Add your name to the Bone Marrow Registry.  You can save a life.