A few months after the birth of Dewontis Groomster Jr. (Junior), his parents grew concerned about his persistent nosebleeds. Following the first episode, they took him to the local ER, but the doctors couldn’t provide any answers, and they were sent home. As the nosebleeds continued, they returned to the ER multiple times. Eventually, after several visits, the hospital referred them to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for further evaluations.

For the past three years, Junior’s father has been making the journey to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, in search of answers for his only son's condition. Numerous tests, IVF treatments, transfusions, misdiagnoses, and biopsies were conducted. Finally, in 2024, the doctors diagnosed their three-year-old son with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS).

WAS is a rare inherited immune disorder that predominantly affects males. It leads to abnormal immune system function, a decreased ability to form blood clots, and eczema. The WAS gene directs the production of the WASp protein, which contributes to increased bleeding due to a lower platelet count, often impacting the brain, face, and bowel. Although it is a rare and potentially fatal disease, it can be treated with a bone marrow transplant, which Junior received on November 12, 2024. Junior has been at Children's Hospital since October 31, 2024.

Currently, Junior is still receiving treatment from doctors at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. His recovery from the transplant has been prolonged due to some ongoing complications and side effects.

Living nearly one hundred miles from the hospital has added to their challenges. Junior’s father (Dewontis Groomster Sr.) has lost his last three jobs due to the multitude of doctor appointments and hospital visits. This has been a long, arduous, and emotional journey for both Junior and his dad. Here’s where you can make a difference. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I believe that a village becomes family when it helps save that child and their loved ones. By easing some of their financial burdens, we can grant Junior’s dad the freedom to be present with his son every step of the way. We can also offer them support through words of encouragement, kindness, and reassurance that they are in our thoughts and prayers.

Any donation, no matter how big or small, is received with immense gratitude. I know that both Junior and his dad will be incredibly thankful for your generosity.