Loved ones – both family members and friends – gathered at Salem’s Riverside Church on June 29 to participate in a paint fundraiser for Remington “Remi” Dudley. The four-year-old has Severe Aplastic Anemia, a disease in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells for the body.
She was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year. “On Monday, February 20, we noticed bruises on her shins, in 24 hours they multiplied and spread to the back of her arms,” Remi’s mother Heather said. “That Wednesday, she had lab work completed and at 10 p.m. we were told to go to the ER. Her platelet count bottomed out and they were afraid of internal bleeding. The next day we began seeing doctors at the Carilion Pediatric Hematology and Oncology office.”
Heather said a conversation with some friends laid the foundation of the paint fundraiser. “Katie Reed works at Carter Machinery with my husband. She, along with Tammy Blankenship who is a friend of a friend, approached me with the idea,” she said. “I have been truly humbled with not only my Melrose Baptist church family, but also the local community and complete strangers who have offered help and prayers.”
Remi returned home from Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, on Monday, June 26. She was admitted to the Pediatric Bone Marrow Unit on March 31 and for the next 55 days her mother was right by her side. Her father Michael also was involved, donating granulocytes to Remi for over 10 weeks.
“Remi’s only sibling, Kiele, was her bone marrow donor, a rare 100 percent bone marrow match,” Heather said. “The bone marrow transplant took place on April 25. By May 16, Remi’s body had accepted Kiele’s cells and she was considered engrafted. This entire process was truly a family affair. “
Heather knows that there are countless brave little boys and girls all over the country who are also fighting horrible diseases just like her daughter. “My advice for parents going through a similar situation is to pray, we received many miracles and don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “Research, ask questions and be an advocate for your child. Don’t take a single day for granted. Also, never underestimate the kindness of strangers.”
Remi’s medical bills are expected to top well over seven figures which is why Heather is of the belief that every single penny counts. Heather and her husband both had to leave their jobs in March. “The paint night raised $600 which was a blessing. Even though insurance does help, not all gets paid on the over approximate $1.6 million-dollar procedure,” she said. “There has been a GoFundMe page set uphttps://www.gofundme.com/team-super-remi for those who would like to help. Melrose Baptist Church on 3520 Peters Creek Rd., Roanoke, VA 24019 also accepts donations on our behalf.”
On Saturday, August 9, the 9th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament will take place at the Salem Municipal Golf Course. All proceeds will benefit Remi “SuperGirl” Dudley.
Remi in her room during treatment at Duke University Hospital.