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Brentwood Police Department Officer Mitchell Alvarez and his family are facing a challenging medical situation with their daughter Jade. The four-year-old has been diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, a rare and life-threatening disease that leads to bone marrow failure. Sergeant Alvarez, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a dedicated member of the Brentwood community for the past 15 years, is asking for the community's assistance in helping his family with the medical expenses they will incur as Jade undergoes treatment.
In December 2022, the Alvarez family noticed unexplained bruising all over Jade's body. After a trip to the pediatrician, Jade was sent for lab work, which revealed critically low blood counts. She was hospitalized for multiple transfusions, observation, and a bone marrow biopsy. Although she was released, Jade continued to require weekly transfusions and blood draws to manage her condition. Recently, she underwent another bone marrow biopsy, which confirmed a diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia.
Severe aplastic anemia is a condition in which the body's bone marrow stops producing enough blood cells to sustain life. It is a rare disease, especially in young children like Jade. The only cure for severe aplastic anemia is a bone marrow transplant, and the preferred treatment is a sibling-matched donor. Fortunately, Jade's seven-year-old sister, Ava, is a perfect genetic match and will donate her stem cells to save Jade's life.
Jade's disease is progressing rapidly, and she will soon be admitted to UCSF for treatment. She will undergo chemotherapy to prepare her body for the transplant, and then receive her sister's stem cells. Ava will also undergo surgery to remove healthy marrow from her hips for the transplant. The family has a two-year-old son, Cruz, who also needs their care and attention.
The Alvarez family is facing an incredibly challenging road ahead, and they ask for the community's support and prayers. The medical expenses associated with Jade's treatment are significant, and any contributions to help the family manage these costs would be greatly appreciated. The Brentwood Police Department stands behind Sergeant Alvarez and his family during this difficult time and is committed to supporting them in any way possible.
If you would like to contribute to the Alvarez family's medical expenses, please visit their Fund the First page at https://fundthefirst.com/campa...
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jade, her family, and all those affected by severe aplastic anemia.
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