What if Baby Sera is your child? She has an ultra-rare health condition, needs timely help to stay alive

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By Chetana Belagere

06/10/2023

Michael Andrew and his wife Teresa, natives of Kerala settled in Karnataka’s Mysuru, are now leaving no stone unturned to save their only daughter.

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The day of the diagnosis of this extremely rare genetic disease called infantile hypophosphatasia, of which the baby is the only case in India was devastating to the parents.

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Her initial diagnosis was hypercalcaemia. Hypercalcemia refers to a condition where there is an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood.

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“This metabolic disorder is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents her body from producing the enzyme ALPL, which is essential for the baby to absorb the calcium.”

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They were informed the only treatment available is enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) which is given lifelong. They managed to get the expensive medication only after five months.

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After writing to two researchers in the US, Michael found out that AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical titan behind the precious drug, is on the cusp of a significant global trial.

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With eyes glistening, Michael added: “If Sera can just hold on until next year… my baby will survive. Please come forward and help me save my baby.”

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