The mission of the Matthew and Andrew Akin Foundation is to:

INFORM

Provide the latest information on treatment, research trials and overall HLH education.

INVEST

Continue to raise funds not only for education and awareness, but to help assist HLH families transfer their care to the world renowned experts at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center.

INSPIRE

By organizing and hosting events, we hope to inspire families and friends to help in the fight against HLH. Even when the worst possible thing has happened, you can not only survive but thrive.

Experts in Treating HLH

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a disorder of the immune system in which too many infection-fighting cells are produced and activated, causing damage to organs. While rare, HLH is rapidly fatal. However, with prompt and accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, a cure is possible.

Unfortunately, few physicians are knowledgeable about HLH, and it is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late. Without access to effective treatment, primarily bone marrow transplantation (BMT), most patients with HLH die.  As the most experienced facility in the nation in treating HLH, Cincinnati Children’s has assembled a team of researchers, physicians, families who have faced an HLH diagnosis and philanthropists to create the HLH Center of Excellence.

The center focuses on four core priorities:

• Diagnosis and clinical care
• Research
• Education and awareness
• Family Support

While HLH is rare, Cincinnati Children’s treats a large population of children with HLH. The clinical and research pioneers at Cincinnati Children’s are committed to changing the outcome for children with HLH.-via HLH Center of Excellence