Help Michelle raise money

DBA is an extremely rare, bone marrow failure disorder for which there is no cure. Since birth, my sweet and feisty 3 year old niece Monroe receives blood transfusions every 3-4 weeks to survive as her body does not produce red blood cells. One of the main risks from the chronic blood transfusions, is iron overload, which accumulates in the liver, heart, and the endocrine organs. Iron overload eventually culminates in death at a young age. Currently, the only potential cure for DBA is a bone marrow transplant (BMT) which comes with a long list of potential complications, including death. Sadly, Monroe does not have a sibling BMT match (despite having 4 siblings!) and an unrelated BMT would increase the risk of BMT complications even further.

With the money raised last year, the Canadian DBA board, was able to help fund medical research progressing in Sweden at the Lund University. My sister and husband are talking closely with scientists and medical professionals in Sweden and New York. 23 years ago, this team started studying gene therapy for DBA and have made incredible strides. A clinical trial on humans is starting in the next few months. Gene therapy comes with astronomical costs (approximately 1-3 million per patient) and the funds raised will continue to support this research. Having the potential option of gene therapy, has given our family the gift of HOPE for the first time since Monroe’s diagnosis. 

Check out this video from last years event! 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FYNCpUa8JGuNJXGaA6ArVPlTdCXmFtfZ/view?usp=drive_web

Our family would love to see you at the race and party after - come join us! 

2^nd Annual Calgary DBA Dash

September 10th, 2023

Race start time: 3pm

Park at weaselhead parking lot at 66st and 37 ave SW

Post race party nearby

Come enjoy live music, refreshments, food trucks and prizes!