Piatt Co. girl with gene mutation celebrating 4th birthday, how to donate gifts:
Amelia was diagnosed with a STAT1 gene mutation and HLH, a rare immune system disorder, in March 2024. Her father, Shane, fought a 36-year battle with STAT1 and died from STAT1 and HLH complications on Jan. 23, 2025.
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She is currently undergoing treatment at Barnes Children's Hospital in St. Louis. Amelia underwent an extensive week of chemotherapy at the beginning of March in order to receive a bone marrow transplant. The transplant is scheduled to take place April 14 and is expected to cure both her STAT1 gene mutation and her HLH.
The St. Louis hospital will be her home for three months during her treatment, which means she will be spending her 4th birthday, on April 28, in the hospital.
'With this being her first birthday without her dad I couldn't just stand by and let a hard day go without attempting to bring joy to her,' Teresa Ely said.
Ely also said that while Amelia is not allowed to have visitors currently, she is hoping that cards, pictures, will wishes and other small gifts will bring her excitement during this time. She provided the following guidelines for gifts sent to Amelia:
Stuffed animals must be able to be machine washed
Toys that can easily be disinfected such as Pop-It art toys
Gift cards for iPad games
Slime
Books
Coloring supplies
Pink peeps
Bunny toys
Bubbles
Minnie mouse toys
'Bluey' products
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Gift donations are asked to be sent by April 23 to Laura Chimel c/o McDonald House at 4321 Chouteau Ave. in St. Louis, MO 63103. For additional information, you can contact Ely at 217-766-1859 or teresamnorman91@gmail.com.
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