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Richard Francis Bonett ("Richie") was
born on July 31, 1996. A resident of Northern Virginia, Richie was diagnosed
with SEVERE APLASTIC ANEMIA in January of 1998.
Aplastic anemia is a rare but extremely serious
disorder that results from the
unexplained failure of the bone marrow - the organ that produces blood cells in
the body. The bone marrow
stops producing, or produces too few red blood cells, white blood cells and
platelets. Without sufficient red blood cells, oxygen cannot reach organs and
tissues throughout the body. Without sufficient platelets, blood cannot clot,
which could create severe hemorrhaging.
Aplastic anemia can strike anyone, men and women, children and adults, any race or economic status. The exact cause of it is unknown. Once considered incurable, today more than 50% of patients can be cured.
The only known cure for Aplastic Anemia is a BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT. There is no bone marrow match in Richie’s immediate family. A search of the Bone Marrow and the National Marrow Donor Program has identified a potential donor for Richie. This donor will remain on reserve until Richie's doctors feel that he is ready to go to transplant. The transplant expenses will be in excess of $300,000 -- assuming there are no complications -- and will involve additional expenses due to a temporary relocation to Minnesota for 4 - 5 months of treatment at Fairview Medical Center.
Richie is currently undergoing immunosuppression
therapy, an alternative treatment for 
aplastic anemia. Immunosuppression Therapy
is also very expensive and harsh on little Richie's body and will continue for 6
months to a year. This therapy is not considered a cure, but rather a hope for
remission. Even if successful, Richie will continue to have frequent doctor's
visits throughout his childhood and will still require a Bone Marrow Transplant
in the future.
Although Richie’s parents (Jodie and Rich) have insurance, all medical
expenses, relocation, travel and loss of income are not covered. Richie’s
parents will also be responsible for paying the costs associated with the donor
search, testing, and medical treatment.
Our family would like to thank all of the people that have already helped us in Richie’s behalf. For information on how you can help, click on "How you can help".
Please check back from time to time, as this website will be updated often with Richie's latest status. Please feel free to flip through the next few pages, and when you’re done, please sign our guestbook, we’d love to hear from you. The posts help us know that others are praying for Richie, too.
A special Thank You to I.J. Hudson for airing the
community
awareness story on NBC 4
news during the 5:00pm news on February 13th and again during the
9:00am news on February 15th. NBC4's website.
An extra special THANKS to HITT Contracting for their fund raising
An great big THANKS to Rough 'N Ready for their very successful Bowl 'A Thon. Your ambition, initiative and tireless efforts are greatly appreciated.