Serina, family having rough go after transplant
Although her orange hair is all gone, the fiery fight in Serina Robles rages on.
The Coeur d'Alene 12-year-old underwent a bone marrow transplant Oct. 14 to fend off leukemia for the second time in her life. She and her family are staying at the Seattle Children's Hospital for about 100 days as she recovers.
Her father, Ray, said Wednesday that his little warrior isn't doing so well.
"She's been in bed resting," he said.
The Fernan STEM Academy fifth-grader is still taking chemotherapy to fight off graft vs. host disease, a rare occurrence when bone-marrow donor cells attack the recipient. She's been vomiting and in a lot of pain, Ray said, and her body is feeling weary.
"She's been getting random bloody noses and is unable to speak and swallow because she has what they call mucositis," he said. "It's a side effect from the chemo and is very painful."
The family is struggling financially as Serina recovers. They have payments and insurance to cover on three vehicles plus phone bills on top of hefty medical bills and other expenses to ensure Serina's siblings are cared for while they stay near her in the Ronald McDonald House.
"The biggest stress I have is making sure we have enough money to get into a home when this is all over," Ray said. "I always like to think ahead, and that's my biggest worry right now, finding a home for my family and making sure I have the money to make that happen.”
It’s been a long road to this point.
On Monday, Serina decided to shave her head. Her hair was falling out and making her miserably itchy.
"I thought I'd take it hard, but I'm fine. She looks absolutely stunning," Ray said. "She's happy and fine with it and so am I. What a beautiful young lady she is."
Friends are shaving their heads in solidarity with the leukemia warrior. The Diseases and Disabilities Advocates Riding Club is offering to donate $5 for each person who shaves their head and says "Buzz 4 Serina” on video through Sunday, and knitted gifts have been sent in from those who want to show their support. (See Ray's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ray.robles.125 for other details and updates.)
Ray said that without the community support “it would be a tougher journey, so we appreciate all the love they have shown.”
The Fernan Fifth Grade Leadership team is hosting a bake sale for Serina at the Spooky STEM night this evening from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Donations for Serina can also be taken to Horizon Credit Union, 123 W. Hanley Ave. or to her school any day between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at 520 N. 21st St.
GoFundMe: https://bit.ly/2TKFkO4