ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Fanconi anemia

So, you know how we all have some tiny and almost invisible things in our body called cells? Well, these cells help us grow, heal when we get hurt, and keep our body working properly. Inside these cells, there are some tiny things called genes that are like recipes for making proteins that help our body do its job.

Fanconi anemia is a disease that means some people are born with a special kind of gene that doesn't work quite right. This gene is called the "Fanconi anemia gene." When this gene doesn't work right, the cells in our body don't work properly either. This can make the person who has this gene feel sick, tired, and have trouble fighting off infections.

Also, because these cells don't work properly, the person may have problems with their bone marrow. The bone marrow is like a special factory in our body where new blood cells are made. When the Fanconi anemia gene doesn't work correctly, this factory may not make enough blood cells or make blood cells that don't work the way they should. This can make the person feel even sicker and put them at risk for problems like anemia (when they don't have enough healthy red blood cells), bleeding problems, or infections.

Doctors can test for this disease by looking at the person's genes to see if they have the Fanconi anemia gene. If someone has this gene, the doctors can work with them to try and find ways to help them feel better and treat any problems they might have.

It's important to remember that even though people with Fanconi anemia might have some extra struggles, they are just like everyone else and can do amazing things. With help from their doctors, friends, and family they can live happy, healthy lives!