PLE, or Protein Losing Enteropathy, is a loss of blood protein (albumin) through the intestinal tract. When the protein level in the bloodstream falls, blood plasma begins to leak into the tissues of the body. This process is evidenced by edema (swelling) in the abdomen, the extremities and face. Current treatments include steroid therapy, hormone therapy and blood thinners each of which has negative consequences with long term use, and painful intravenous albumin boosts which are essentially “band-aid” fixes. None of the treatments really addresses the root cause. As this disease progresses the body begins to turn on itself by attacking internal organs and other structures as sources of protein.

Very little is known about what causes PLE. Since PLE affects a small portion of the general population, it is impossible to obtain government grants for research that will identify a cause and ultimately a cure. This is why researchers need YOUR help so other children can go on to become healthy, productive adults and not have their lives cut short as Rebekah's was.