I urgently need a 10/10 stem cell donor match, and I'm reaching out to all the amazing individuals who can make a life-saving difference. I am Thor, an intelligent and vibrant 13-year-old with big dreams of becoming an Electrical Engineer. Aside from my academic pursuits, I enjoy fishing, shooting on the range, golfing, and spending time with my friends. Being an honor roll student, I take my schoolwork seriously, although my attendance and performance can sometimes be affected by my frequent absences from school. I was born with Sickle Cell Anemia, an inherited blood disease that causes significant damage to my body over time. At just 8 months old, I had my first blood transfusion, which was a surreal experience for me and my family. It was hard to believe that at such a young age, I was receiving someone else's lifesaving blood. When I turned 2 years old, I experienced my first pain crisis, and it was a challenging time for my parents. They felt so helpless seeing me in pain, rubbing my arms, and expressing my discomfort. I would often cry out, saying, "Ouch, pain, momma, it hurts; please stop the pain." It was heartbreaking for my parents to witness, and all they could do was offer me comfort and wait for the pain medication to take effect. In 2014, my life took another unexpected turn when I underwent a routine Transcranial Doppler Scan (TCD). The results came back abnormal, indicating that I was at high risk of having a stroke at the age of 4. To prevent this, my treatment plan included monthly blood transfusions and hydroxyurea medication. A port was surgically placed in my tiny chest to make the bi-weekly blood transfusions more manageable. It took some time for me to adjust to this device, which was crucial to my monthly transfusions. As time went on, I underwent over 20 blood transfusions, which unfortunately led to iron overload in my body. After discussing my abnormal TCD scan with my doctor, we explored the possibility of a Bone Marrow Transplant as a potential cure for Sickle Cell Disease. In 2015, my family and I partnered with NMPD (formerly known as Be The Match) to find a suitable donor. Over the years, we encountered three potential lifesaving donors. The excitement and hope were overwhelming when a potential match joined the NMDP registry in 2017. However, our joy was short-lived as the donor decided not to proceed with the donation. In 2022, two more potential donors appeared on the registry, but unfortunately, they couldn't be located. To increase our chances of finding a match, we also sought assistance from Marrow Mates, an organization that supports families in their search for donors. Through their Extended Family Donor Search Initiative, we have received some leads, which has been quite exciting. In November 2023, I was admitted to the hospital due to a chronic pain crisis that affected my entire body. The pain in my left hip was especially severe, making it difficult for me to walk. During my hospitalization, an MRI revealed that I have stage one AVN (Avascular Necrosis). The race is on to find a match for a potential transplant. If my mobility worsens in the coming months, I may need to undergo Core Decompression surgery. Despite all the challenges I have faced and will continue to face, my attitude remains positive. I always tell myself it wasn't my time when potential donors fell through or obstacles arose. I maintain a level of maturity beyond my years. My family and I are incredibly grateful for the support we have received on our journey. The cost of a stem cell transplant is significant, and to help with the expenses, we have set up a GoFundMe account. We appreciate any donation, regardless of the size, as every contribution makes a difference. Additionally, we encourage others to share our story and urge family members and friends between 18 and 40 to join the registry. If you want to join the registry, simply text "Showup4thor" to 61474. By showing up for me, you are showing up for everyone. Remember, it only takes one person to say yes and potentially save a life. My story is a testament to my strength, determination, and the power of community support. Despite my challenges, I will continue to pursue my dreams and inspire those around me. Thank you for being a part of my journey. Text: ShowUp4Thor To 61474
https://my.bethematch.org
To update your contact information:
1 800-627-7692
https://gofund.me/7ef22e80
