Shiyanne’s Journey with Autoimmune Neutropenia – 14 Hospitalizations In Less Than One Year

My daughter, Shiyanne (currently age 2), was diagnosed with Autoimmune Neutropenia at 8 months old. Neutrophils usually make up 50-70% of circulating white blood cells and serve as the primary defense against infections by destroying bacteria in the blood.

Shiyanne has experienced more in the past year than most people do in a lifetime. She has had a bone marrow biopsy, major surgery, genetic testing, and weekly CBC’s. She has been hospitalized 14 times between February 2011 – October 2011 (all before she got put on .33mils of neupogen to produce neutrophils) because she was severly neutropenic and her absolute neutrophil count (anc) was always zero.

We are in need of a cure for all forms of Neutropenia! I just want to say thank you for bringing awareness, not only for my daughter, but for all the other families dealing with Neutropenia and other rare and genetic conditions who need so much support.

Sincerely,
Ashlei and Shiyanne