After transfusion he’s raring to go
EDDIE, AGE 1
LITTLE Eddie Griffin has a rare condition and needs a blood transfusion every month to keep him alive.
He has Diamond Blackfan Anaemia which means his body cannot produce red blood cells.
At just 11 weeks old Eddie stopped feeding well and started sleeping for most of the day.
He was admitted to hospital where his haemoglobin levels were found to be so low that he needed an emergency transfusion.
Genetic testing confirmed a diagnosis of DBA.
Eddie, who turned one in December, now survives with regular transfusions at Leeds General Infirmary and the transformation in him is almost instant. Mum Charlotte, 32, said: “In the days leading up to a transfusion Eddie can become grumpy and tired. The change once he has blood is remarkable – the colour returns to his face and he is raring to go.
“Amazingly, every time Eddie receives blood, he learns a new skill. When he learned to walk and sit up for the first time, both were immediately after a transfusion.”
Eddie lives with marketing director mum Charlotte and dad, accountant Anthony, 31, in Burnley, Lancs, and receives just under a unit of blood every three to four weeks.
Charlotte added: “DBA is a massive part of our life but it is only a tiny part of who Eddie is.
“Some people say they are sorry for Eddie’s condition but any sympathy is misplaced. Eddie is thriving, he is happy.
“Because of donors his future is bright. To everyone who donates blood, I would say, thank you. You are heroes.”
Change is remarkable ...Eddie’s thriving and happy
CHARLOTTE GRIFFIN ON SON’S TREATMENT