ARLINGTON Belleamy Sikkink, 5, a kindergartner at Arlington Elementary School, was recently diagnosed with aplastic anemia.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says: Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious blood condition that occurs when your bone marrow cannot make enough new blood cells for your body to work normally. It can develop quickly or slowly, and it can be mild or serious. At this time, there is no way to prevent aplastic anemia.
Belleamy is the daughter of Trevor and Brea (Hennrich) Sikkink and has three siblings: Luna-Blu, Banksley and Riggins.
Belleamy is receiving chemotherapy prior to a bone marrow transplant later this month. The Sikkink family will be living in Minneapolis for several months following the transplant.
To help defray some of the costs associated with Belleamys treatment and follow-up recovery, a Fundraiser for Belleamy Sikkinkwill be Dec. 14 at the Arlington School. A walking taco feed and bake sale will take place during the Arlington vs. Castlewood basketball doubleheader. Serving starts at 5 p.m.
In addition to the fundraiser, donations can be brought to Citizens State Bank in Castlewood, Arlington or Sinai.
Those attending the game are encouraged to wear pink to show their support for Belleamys Herd, whose motto is Unshakeable Strength. And to join the Herd: Pray for Belleamy. A Facebook post of one supporter notes: Belleamy is a fighter and has strengthened all of those around her. She may be little, but Lord she is a fighter.
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