This is the story of Will and Sasha Bush. Will and Sasha both have Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PIDD) which is an intrinsic defect that occurs within the immune system and causes it to not function properly. As a result, they are susceptible to pretty much every germ there is out there. Every cold, every virus, every wound is cause for closer scrutiny as even the most simple thing can become the most lethal to them. Both children have had issues with infections and illness since birth. Will initially had been doing relatively well with preventative daily antibiotics – unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for his sister Sasha. After 16 months of recurrent and persistent infections, Sasha’s immunologist decided that it was time to start her on Gammaglobulin Replacement Therapy.
On February 7th, 2007, at the age of 17 months – Sasha received her first infusion of Gammaglobulin….little did we know how life changing it would be. Realizing that this was an incredible gift (the ability to have this treatment available in order for my child to live a healthier and longer life) my husband and I decided to raise awareness within the community and began doing blood drives and fundraisers on a fairly regular basis. The response was overwhelming! After a few months, we formed a small group called Team Hope. Within 3 months of beginning the infusions, we started noticing that her infections (while still occurring) were less frequent and less severe. It was amazing to see my daughter laughing and playing instead of fighting for her life. Several months later, her brother Will started having complications and the antibiotic therapy that once worked no longer held it’s ground. After much deliberation, and many break-through infections – it was decided that he too would need to begin the Gammaglobulin Therapy. November 6th, 2007 was Will’s first infusion. Within 3 months we also saw a HUGE improvement. Again, it was amazing to see life become somewhat normal for him…to watch him be a 5 year old with less limitations.
Our blood drives have been very successful and our donors are amazing…the children of Team Hope make an appearance at the blood drives wearing home made T-shirts that say, “Your Blood….My Life” on the front and “Thank You” on the back. It is SO TRUE……because of our donors, MANY people have the chance at LIFE – not just our children. They talk to the donors and thank each of them for taking the time to come and help them. We realized a long time ago that this was no longer ‘just’ about us – it was about something BIGGER than us – it’s about sharing, growing, learning, caring, and realizing that we are ALL connected – and that EVERYONE out there, at some point or another – will know someone (or be someone) who has been in need of blood product…and that EVERYONE is loved by SOMEONE out there. I know how amazing it is to receive the gift of life…I look at 2 sweet and incredible warriors of Hope EVERY day and thank GOD for blood donors because they have given my children a chance at LIVING – not just existing.
To date, our drives have brought in 826 donors (and counting!) and we are SO blessed and SO thankful for EACH and EVERY one of the donors out there who give LIFE to SO MANY individuals out there….not just my kids.
Please remember that there is a face behind the need – that the act of ‘giving blood’ should be revered as something AMAZING….remember that 20 minutes to you can be a LIFETIME to someone else! It’s a lifetime to us – it’s more laughter, more joy, more memories, less sadness, less sickness, less fear, less heartache. If that isn’t worth it, well than I don’t know what is.For more information about our efforts, please go to www.teamhope.info. For more information about Primary Immunodeficiency Disease and how you can help, please go to www.primaryimmune.org
Blessings
Stefani (Mom to Will and Sasha)
