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Back in August, we invited Erica, her sister Aimee, dad Chris and mum Donna to visit our new office in Birmingham and pack a bravery box for a child newly diagnosed with aplastic anaemia.

A Bravery Box is a personalised care package that The Aplastic Anaemia Trust send out to children diagnosed with rare bone marrow failure. It's particularly designed for long hospital stays, and contains all the relevant information resources that child needs to understand their condition and the treatment.

Erica and Aimee remember receiving their Bravery Boxes when Erica was first diagnosed. Dad, Chris, said “We couldn’t believe it when the boxes turned up, it really made you feel like the charity knew what you were going through and you were not going through this alone.”

Talking to Erica about her box, you can tell the contents were designed by other young people who have had aplastic anaemia (members of our Youth Board!)

She told us about how the squidgy ball toy in her box was helpful to squeeze during blood tests and transfusions, and how the gorgeous blankets, knitted by volunteers, would keep you feeling cosy and comfy in hospital.

What’s in the Bravery Box?

Each box is tailored to the child we are sending it to, contents can include...

• Age-appropriate booklets that explain AA and the treatments, and offer advice on things like isolation, keeping friendships, preparing for hospital stays.
• A letter from a member of our Youth Board, that shows life on the other side of treatment.
• Specially chosen books to read in hospital, (Zog and the Flying Doctors is a favourite!)
• For kids who need one, a simple tablet for watching TV during long hospital stays.
• Cosy socks and a hand-knitted blanket.
• Fidget toys for calming anxious children during procedures.
• A water bottle.
• An activity booklet designed to support emotional wellbeing.

If you understand the difference that joyful post can make to a family facing an aplastic anaemia diagnosis, please consider making a donation to our Christmas appeal to help fund the post of our little postal office in Birmingham. 

Watch the full video & donate