Joseph is a beautiful little boy. He was diagnosed 9/11/09 with an extremely rare disorder called Malignant Infantile Osteopetrosis. This disorder causes old bone not to shed away to make room for the new bone growth that happens naturally in children. Because of this, the child has thick, dense bones that are fragile & fraucture easily. Some effects of this disorder are blindness, deafness, enlarged liver & spleen. We are thankful today, that Joseph still has his eye sight & hearing. If either of these effects occur, they are irreversible. 

Joseph is in Minnesota and has now received his bone marrow transplant. He received it on January 5, 2010, just 4 days after his 1st Birthday! Joseph will be required to stay in the hopsital for 100 days after his transplant. In order to help with the medical bills this family will face, we have set up the on line fundraiser. 

Joseph is a growing & thriving boy. We want him to be able to have every opportunity in life, that a child can have. We want him to be able to grow up, play sports, get married & have his own kids, but none of these things can happen without this transplant. 

This is where we look to our family, friends & community to help support this family. To learn about this rare disorder that affects roughly 20 children a year, please visit http://www.bmt.umn.edu/disease/Osteopetrosis/home.html

For more information about Joseph & to track his journey, please visit  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/josephparthenais