Cure Reid's Sickle Cell
Reid was born with Sickle Cell Anemia, a blood cell disorder that causes debilitating pain, organ degradation, a shortened life expectancy, a weakened immune system, as well as potentially fatal malfunctioning of the spleen (Reid, after 15+ blood transfusions had his removed). Sickle Cell also restricts the inability to fly safely, swim in most temperatures, even the freedom to play in sprinklers in the middle of the summer. For Jillian and I, the past 5 years have been the most physically and emotionally draining time of our lives. We were overjoyed when our little son was born. Experiencing that joy through our constant worry and fear has been so taxing that it has too often driven us to despair. We’ve shed more than our share of tears. To say that the past 5 1/2 years have been physically, emotionally and mentally taxing would most likely be one of the greatest understatements ever made. This disease has taken us to the brink of insanity and back multiple times. To lie and say that Jillian and I haven't taken our turns crying uncontrollably to stay functional would be a crime in and of itself.
Surprisingly, the one person in our family that should be at their wit's end, Reid, has handled all of this like a true warrior, and a true champion. He has endured being hospitalized multiple times in the same week, stuck with needles 9 times in less than 20 minutes, two surgeries, monthly blood transfusions before the age of 1, watching his classmates play outside through a window while he sits alone because it was 2 degrees too cold to go outside or the wind was blowing a little too hard. He has endured excruciating pain and hospitalizations just because he wanted to go to the playground and the breeze became a little strong. Reid has had to leave his own birthday party, XMAS dinner and other festivities to go to the hospital. Through it all, he has remained a happy, generous and loving child that sees the good in everyone and NEVER asks "Why me?".
But now we now have an opportunity to put an end to his constant suffering and providing a normal life for our little boy. Through a bone marrow transplant, doctors can replace Reid's bone marrow with the donated marrow of his little brother, our beloved Bryce. As terrifying as it would be to have both our small children in the hospital at the same time, we have the belief that the procedure will go well and extend Reid’s life far past current projections. But this opportunity As exciting as this is, it comes at a tremendous cost. While insurance covers the surgery, it does not cover the 8-10 month recovery period afterward, the majority of necessary chemotherapy treatments, a good portion of his chemo-medicine (yes, chemotherapy), food and the 24-hour care that he will need. Our two choices: hire a private nurse or one of us has to leave our job. Either choice puts us in an unfortunate position. Added to these expenses are the regular bills that we struggle with already. Other expenses include food for 4-6 months while Reid is unable to return home and the regular daily expenses of life that don't stop coming because one of us had to leave our place of employment.
Jillian and I could spend our time wondering why, but knowing why doesn't change the fact that our son is sick and that we have an opportunity to help stop his constant pain; to help him lead the normal life that a little boy should live, like his brother. In June, using bone marrow donated by his little brother Bryce, Reid will undergo Bone Marrow Transplant surgery. This procedure is the best chance of curing Reid of this ultimately debilitating disease. Please help us make that hope a reality.
To have to ask others to donate in this manner is not easy or comfortable, but it has unfortunately become a necessity. Whether you donate or not, please find it in your heart to forward this to as many people as you can. $5 from 100 people goes a lot farther than $100 from one person. That being said, the most powerful gesture that you can make is to spread this a campaign to your friends & family. The more that are involved the more realistic our goal becomes. Thank you for taking the time to read this, stay blessed.
