Donations for Delaney (TAR Syndrome)

This is Delaney Watts, born October 22nd, 2014. At 3 1/2 months old, she has already been through a tremendous ordeal, which began with the diagnosis of TAR (Thrombocytopenia-absent radius) Syndrome. TAR Syndrome is rare, only affecting 1 in 500,000 babies. This means that very little is known about the syndrome itself and the accompanying complications, such as dangerously low platelets, GI and pancreas malfunctions, and the most obvious, absence of the radius bone in both arms. She has had five platelet transfusions since she was born, and the causes of most of her symptoms are still unknown, as are the solutions, both short and long-term. Right now the most pressing issues are her platelets, which continue to drop drastically after she has had a transfusion, and the fact that her pancreas is not absorbing nutrients from her food, causing her to lose weight instead of gain.

Delaney was born to Ashley and David Watts, and big sister Daisy, who will be three in April. Ashley works full time with me as a customer service representative, and her husband works evening shifts at a hotel. The parents are unable to pay for daycare for their oldest daughter even with a two-household income, and so one of them must stay home at all times with her. Constant trips in and out of the hospital with Delaney have made it hard for the parents to make it to work consistently for the last couple of weeks, which will result in a drop in income that they simply cannot afford. Delaney is limited to a very expensive formula which is only partially covered by insurance, and as time goes on there are sure to be medical costs which also are not covered.

More details regarding the Watts family and Delaney's story will be posted this weekend. If you have a few dollars to spare, I hope you will find it in your hearts to give a small donation to little Delaney, who is fighting like a champ day in and day out.