Upper West Side baby fighting rare immune disorder – Wednesday, July 03, 2013
By Lucy Yang:
“NEW YORK (WABC) — A nearly 1-year-old boy in Manhattan is fighting for his life.
He has a rare immune system disorder.
A trip to the playground could kill him.
Now, his family is frantically looking for a donor match and is just as frantically trying to raise money to pay for his treatment.
Idan Zablocki is the picture of pure joy. If only he were the picture of health.
“More than anything, I wish that he could play with his cousins, and go to school, and live a normal life,” said Amanda Zablocki, Idan’s mother.
The adorable baby who will turn 1 in a few weeks has a rare immunoglobulin disorder which affects just one in half a million.
It means his body will never be able to protect him against germs or viruses or infections.
This Upper West Side couple found out the hard way.
When he was only eight months old, the start of a simple cold landed Idan in the hospital on a ventilator.
“It was a very big shock, especially because he was so healthy beforehand, we didn’t see this coming at all,” said Akiva Zablocki, Idan’s father.
There is no cure for this genetic disorder and the life expectancy is only 24 years old.
So, the Zablocki’s are on a crusade for a bone marrow transplant. It is risky and expensive, but right now it is their only hope.
“We know that he can survive this,” Amanda Zablocki said.
The Zablocki’s are a courageous couple. Eight years ago, Akiva was diagnosed with a brain tumor he was told was inoperable.
He refused to accept that and found a doctor who successfully removed the tumor.
Now they’re searching for another miracle surgery for their son.
“I think he’ll be OK,” Akiva Zablocki said.
For more information please visit:
The fundraising site: https://www.youcaring.com/fundraiseforidan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelpFight4Idan”