Jordyn, Age 10 and Mallory, Age 7

When Jordyn was one year old she was sent to DeVos Children’s Hospital for testing because of an enlarged spleen (19 times normal size). They took a sample of Jordyn’s bone marrow, and discovered that she had Gaucher. They immediately put a porta-cath in Jordyn for treatments, which consist of injecting the enzyme she is deficient of via IV. Jordyn’s body is deficient in an enzyme that breaks down used blood cells. The blood cells were accumulating, thus making her spleen enlarge so much. Jordyn receives IV treatments every other week and now her spleen is only 5 times normal size. Also, most of her blood work is in the normal range. Jordyn’s genetic makeup will never make this enzyme, so she will need these treatments for the remainder of her life. Fortunately, the treatments have been working very well.

Mallory, diagnosed soon after birth, also has Gaucher. She began IV treatments via a porta-cath when Mallory was 3 months old. The treatments have been working very well. Mallory’s blood counts and spleen size are all very close to normal. Mallory’s genetic make-up is similar to Jordyn’s as she too will need these treatments for the remainder of her life. At this point, Mallory is not limited in anyway. And along with prayers for her sister, her family continues to pray the treatments will continue to work so well, and Mallory will live a long healthy life. The family thinks that DeVos is wonderful. They say the great nurses and doctors are such a blessing - they take great care of the whole family. The girls both LOVE to go to the "clinic" where they supply fun activities to do while they wait. The girls also get a prize from the "poke box" after their treatments. The family feels very fortunate to have this wonderful place so close.

Jordyn loves American Girl dolls and Barbies, as well as, spending time with her friends and reading. Mallory also loves dolls, swimming and riding her bike. They both enjoy spending time with their family (Jim, Stacey, Connor and Corbin) playing games, reading, and spending time at their cottage up North all summer.