The Negrin Family

The Negrin family has been struggling financially since their 18-year-old-son was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia (FA), a blood disease so rare that only 10-20 children are diagnosed with it annually in the United State. Before his bone barrow transplant in February 2007, the boy underwent regular blood transfusions to keep his red blood count from dropping fatally low. While searching for a bone marrow donor, the family was delighted to learn that a young brother was a perfect match. However, joy turned to despair when doctors discovered that the younger brother also has FA, but has not yet manifested symptoms. This young man is determined to fit the odds. His loving parents have been trying to make environmentally clean changes to their home to encourage a better living environment. The makeover committee went to work and provided this family with a home inspection, plumbing repairs, mold remediation and general repairs to their home. This first small community service project was successfully received and the family was grateful to REALTORS and business Affiliates who volunteered their labor and materials to make the Negrins life a bit more enjoyable as a family.This project is now complete. The large success of this program has motivated the volunteers to further their efforts of helping to give back to Manatee County. This project has served as a benchmark for expanding the challenge of helping others.


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