The Mission of the Daniella Maria Arturi Foundation (DMAF) is to increase awareness and support research in Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA). This research will enhance the understanding of DBA with the ultimate goal of providing a cure for patients around the globe. Diamond Blackfan Anemia: A rare pure red cell anemia of infancy and childhood resulting from the failure of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In 10% of the cases it is diagnosed in older children and adults. The Daniella Maria Arturi Foundation (DMAF) was founded by Marie and Manny Arturi in early 1996 shortly after the loss of their daughter, Daniella, who was afflicted with a rare bone marrow failure disorder called Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA). DBA is a red cell disorder that usually appears in the first year of life and leads to severe anemia, which may eventually be life-threatening. There currently is no cure for DBA other than stem cell (bone marrow) transplantation, and the treatments have limitations. Remissions may occur in up to 20 percent of patients or it may be necessary to provide repeated blood transfusions or corticosteroids. Daniella died as a result of treatment, related to trying to control or arrest the disorder. During their ordeal Marie and Manny were astounded to discover how little was known about DBA; how little research was being conducted about it, how few physicians were aware of it and thus, how little was known about clinical care related to it. This is probably true about all rare, or 'orphan', disorders as they are commonly called. The Arturis' set out to combat these shortcomings through the establishment of the Foundation.