Support Braxton's Journey: Bone Marrow Transplant

Hello, I'm Adrienne Adams, an honorary Aunt of Braxton The BRAVE!

On July 6, 2015, Braxton Lee Brooks was born. Although he appeared perfect – three days later, we learned he had Sickle Cell Disease SS (SS being the most aggressive and severe type), and a couple of months later, he was hospitalized with his first pain crisis.

Sickle Cell Disease causes clogged blood vessels and severe pain. It can also cause problems such as organ and tissue damage. In his short life of 6 years, Braxton has been hospitalized over 50 times, has faced over 100 severe pain crises, and endured 12 ICU hospital stays. He currently takes over 8 medicines a day and has monthly blood transfusion with hopes of minimizing his pain crisis; unfortunately, the crisis are still coming, But with his recent approved Bone Marrow transplant, we are hopeful he can conquer this affliction and be cured of Sickle Cell Disease.

In June 2022, he will be admitted into Cooks Children’s Hospital in Texas and will undergo a bone marrow transplant. Thankfully, his best friend and big brother, 8-year-old – Brennen Brooks will be his donor as he is a match.

Transplant preparation involves aggressive chemotherapy to clear his system. Both children will be engaging in pre-transplant testing and prep at Cooks Children’s Hospital in coordination with many other Medical, Academic, and Transplant specialists. Due to the extremely severe pain of this condition, he will require around-the-clock care, long-term monitoring and treatment.

Braxton’s survival requires the family’s complete attention, quarantine and isolation. His mom (Rachael) and dad (Groshon) have health insurance and exhausted their rainy day fund taking care of household expenses and will have to take leaves that may be unpaid for an undetermined time period minimum of 6 months. Expenses could be overwhelming, e.g.,

• After insurance, Medical Expenses for both children

• Travel to and from hospitals ~ to and from Shreveport, LA to Dallas, TX

• Hotel stays for the family during “non-admit” procedures

• Future care (e.g., potential surgeries, medications)

It’s time to ask for help.

We hope that people who love them will stand with us and join “Braxton the Brave”. 100% of your donations will be going to Braxton’s treatment and ongoing care.

Join our Facebook page, Braxton the Brave – BMT Journey, for weekly updates.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!