Sunday, November 23, 2008

DBA

There is a little boy that I have gotten to know over the last year or so. He's a pretty cool little kid with a personality unrivaled by any other child...or adult...I have ever met. He has the biggest green-blue eyes that jump out from beneath his shaggy blonde hair and the sweetest little grin. This little guy, he's also quite the snuggler--a loving, sweet little boy. He loves superheros--Spiderman and Batman seem to be the two favorites. At times he can be rambunctious and loud, and he loves wrestling with his siblings. His name is Bowen, he is three and a half, and he inspires me every single day.

Bowen is the nephew of a dear friend of mine, and before I knew Bowen, I knew nothing of the disease he has been battling. Bowen has, since birth, been dealing with a rare blood disorder called Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA). I am no expert on the disease, in fact, my knowledge of it is quite cryptic, but I do know the basics--Bowen's body can't produce red blood cells. Like I said, this disease is extremely rare, it affects less than a thousand people in the entire world--little Bowen is one of them. He has been recieving blood transfusions since he was an infant, and now, his family hopes their next step will cure this little guy's disease.

The next step is a bone marrow transplant. His original transplant was supposed to happen last spring. There were complications with his blood which halted the procedure and led to this little guy being bound to a small backpack for four months that was feeding medicine into his body 24/7. It worked perfectly, and now he and his family are back in action--taking this next big step. His transplant is Tuesday--a gift from his big brother Ryder, who just turned 5. The whole family was at our house on Halloween night--I gave Bowen a big hug. As he climbed up on my lap, I rubbed his back and said "BoBo--your backpack is gone!!", and he said, "I know, now you can rub my back." Talk about something that'll make your heart melt.

I am asking all of you to keep Bowen and his family in your thoughts. If you pray, please pray for Bowen, if you know people who pray, ask them to do the same. Spread awareness on this disease that so many know so little about. Bowen has a long road ahead of him--one that I am sure he will face daily with those bright eyes and with the amazing resolve he has mustered in his short three and a half years. This child is truly a super hero--as is his big brother--who has been asked to do such an important thing, and to give such a great gift. These two young boys have been asked to perform big tasks, huge tasks, and they (and the rest of their family) continue on with steadfast determination, bravery and more courage than one would assume two little boys could have. They are remarkable little people, truly. May this week go as smoothly as is possible for Bowen, Ryder and their family. We're all cheering for you guys!!!! XXO

Check out these links for more info:

http://www.diamondblackfananemia.com/

http://www.dbafoundation.org/

http://www.dbaftravel.com/

8 comments:

Auburn Kat said...

It's so tough to see anyone sick, especially little kids. They are definitely in my thoughts and prayers!

Dolce said...

I don't know what could be more difficult than having a sick child. He's definitely in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

I can't imagine what he and his family are going through, it would be so hard...I hope things go well on Wednesday, will definitely be thinking of him! Keep us updated! And, what a cutie pie!

Kyla Bea said...

What a nightmare, he's definitely in my thoughts. Let us know how it goes?

And he's lucky to have a friend like you, as is his family.

E said...

I am praying fro Bowen today and for Ryder and that whole little family. May they have lots to be thankful for come Thursday....

amanda said...

Consider it done. He is in
my thoughts...he is in my
prayers. Ugh. Thanks for
making me all sad and weepy,
miss.

But seriously...he is
adorable...and I'll be
cheering for him. That
everything goes well
and that he has a quick
and safe recovery!

His brother is quite
brave for doing such a
thing...hes in my
thoughts as well.

Mandy said...

I will keep him (and his family) in my thoughts!

Anonymous said...

I have been praying for Bowen since I heard about him from B. I pray for his recovery as well as for comfort for his whole family as they go through this difficult time. Thank you for writing about him. GB :)