Miracle Boy's Fight: Free Care Fund Saves Life

River Schafer, a remarkable six-year-old, became the world's only known individual with a unique combination of two rare blood disorders, factor VII deficiency and Glanzmann thrombasthenia. His condition presented extreme challenges, requiring extensive safety measures and numerous hospitalizations from infancy. Doctors at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh pursued intensive treatments, including a bone marrow transplant, but complications arose, leading to a severe autoimmune response.

Facing a critical situation with a rare transplant complication, River's treatment involved experimental medications that were prohibitively expensive. The Free Care Fund at UPMC Children's Hospital proved instrumental, covering the costs of these life-saving drugs when insurance fell short. River's parents express profound gratitude, stating their son would not be alive without the fund's critical support.

Now thriving, River enjoys activities previously impossible due to his condition. In a testament to their experience, his family is actively engaged in giving back. They recently organized a fundraising event at River's school, directing proceeds to the Free Care Fund to help other children facing similar medical battles, continuing the cycle of support and hope.