Audrey Nethery is a 6-year-old girl from Kentucky who is suffering from a very rare disease called Diamond Blackfan Anemia stole the show in a Zumba convention in Orlando, U.S., melting hearts of millions of people around the world when her video was uploaded on the Internet.
Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) is a very rare condition that occurs in 5 to 7 per every million births according to a survery. DBA causes insufficient production of red blood cells, a very important component for proper transportation of oxygen. Studies show that about half of people suffering from this disease have physical abnormalities, such as microcephaly (small head), low-set ears, flat bridge of the nose and deformity of their hands; eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma and strabismus; and organ system disorders, for example, defects of the heart and hypospadias. DBA can be treated with steroids, but is discouraged due to a number of side effects and blood transfusion, where patients are blood is needed every 3 to 5 weeks to live.
The young and enthusiastic Audrey who has already undergone up to 20 blood transfusions has never been affected by all these trials. Her wide smile and zest moves portrayed well her love for dancing. This gesture actually gives new hope not only to those affected by the same disease but also to other people who see life as meaningless.
Today, her video has gone viral with over 1.7 million views, and her fans are aiming that Audrey's story be featured in the Ellen DeGeneres Show, a talk-variety show hosted by the famous comedian Ellen DeGeneres. With her videos posted online, she has raised both awareness and funds for the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation.
