“Causes do matter. And the world is changed by people who care deeply about causes – about things that matter. We don’t have to be particularly smart or talented. We don’t need a lot of money or education. All we really need is to be passionate about something important; something bigger than ourselves. And it’s that commitment to a worthwhile cause that changes the world.”
                                                                                                  -Steve Goodier

Our Story

Jim and I founded Friends of DBA in 2007 as a way to raise money and awareness for Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA), a rare disease affecting infants and children. Our son, Trevor, was diagnosed with DBA at 18 months old. DBA patients are unable to produce red blood cells and require steroid treatments and/or blood transfusions. Currently, there is no cure.

Trevor first displayed health issues when he was 18 months old. Blood tests revealed a red blood cell count of 1.9 (normal is 12-15). Trevor was admitted to Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital for a transfusion. We were told he had six months to live. Several phone calls to doctors nationwide resulted in a trip to Toronto Sick Kids to see a DBA specialist. Here, Trevor underwent his third bone marrow biopsy and additional blood tests. Results indicated a possible diagnosis of DBA. Trevor was put on large doses of the steroid Prelone with positive results. After two weeks, his blood counts increased, with improvements in his energy levels.

The official diagnosis of DBA was in 1999 at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD. By then, the steroid treatments were working. We slowly started reducing his dosages with much success. Our every two-week appointments moved to every month, then two, then four, and eventually we started 6 month visits. To date, Trevor has a red blood cell level that ranges between 9.0 - 11.0. He continues on steroid treatments and see his doctor every six months. 

Trevor is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Fine Arts and a minor in Marketing. He is a graphic designer at Horizon Incorporated. He owns his own home, enjoys spending time with family and friends, and continues developing his artistic skills.