Annie’s Story

The Zermeno family spends a lot of time together - working in full time ministry and homeschooling their two girls. So when they noticed some unusual bruising on Annie they were quick to act and take her in for bloodwork. Immediately Annie was transferred, by ambulance, to the Children’s hospital where she received multiple blood and platelet transfusions. Bone marrow testing was performed and Annie tested positive for aplastic anemia (also known as bone marrow failure). Doctors told the family that Annie would need a bone marrow transplant. The hunt for a donor match began but quickly ended when they found that Annie’s older sister, Madilyn, is a match!

Annie has been going twice a week to the hospital for transfusions and on July 16th, 2025 she was admitted to the hospital where she is expecting to stay for the next eight weeks. At the end of July, she will have a blood marrow transplant.

This journey has already been very challenging for the Zermeno family but Annie has taken up the hospital as her mission field. Rather than focusing on herself she is constantly looking for ways to help and encourage the other kids she sees on her floor. Annie is a light to all she encounters and is full of joy that overflows to those around her!