Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) TShirts For a Cure!!

What is Diamond Blackfan Anemia? Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by the failure of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. It is usually diagnosed in the first year of life. DBA is also associated with a predisposition to certain cancers and congenital anomalies (birth defects).

The failure to produce red blood cells causes DBA patients to become severely anemic. It is important to note that this anemia is not the result of a deficiency in iron, vitamin B-12, folate, or erythropoietin, which is a red blood cell stimulating hormone.

In recent years, the scientific community has made many advances in understanding DBA on both the genetic and molecular levels. These discoveries have already, and will continue to, aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical care of DBA patients. Breakthroughs made in DBA research will unquestionably lead to significant progress in understanding blood cell production, birth defects and cancer. These important implications have brought global attention to this rare disease.

Mission: The mission of the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation is to advance research initiatives that promote a better understanding, therapeutic strategies and a cure for this rare bone marrow failure syndrome. We are dedicated to providing patient advocacy, support and education services to individuals, families and medical professionals resulting in improvements in the diagnosis, clinical treatment and management of the disorder, while enhancing the quality of life of affected families worldwide.

About the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation: Founded in 1994, the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation, Inc. (DBAF), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, was established to provide support for DBA patients, families and research. The DBAF is committed to furthering research to find a cure, while striving to educate and empower our patients, their families and health professionals. Together, with the support of DBA families and friends, the DBAF continues to fulfill our mission. We pride ourselves on providing the following: Funding for independently reviewed critical research projects;Organization and/or financial support of international scientific meetings and symposiums;Coordination of meetings that connect DBA patients, families and world-renowned physicians;Informational literature, newsletters and updates for patients, family members, healthcare professionals and other interested parties;Resources and networking opportunities for families throughout the United States, Canada and worldwide.

Is There a Cure for DBA? Currently there is no “cure” for DBA. However, with appropriate medical treatment patients can live long and healthy lives. The two most common forms of treatment are corticosteroids and chronic red blood cell transfusions with appropriate iron chelation (therapy for removal of excess iron accumulation due to red blood cell transfusions). Some DBA patients are in remission (make sufficient numbers of red blood cells and are not significantly anemic) and do not require medical therapy, but need to be closely monitored for recurrence of anemia and other complications. Other DBA patients may be candidates for a stem cell transplant (also referred to as a bone marrow or cord blood transplant).