Brave Beginnings: Thor’s Path to a New Life
Donation protected
Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,
Meet Thor, our vibrant 13-year-old warrior, who has been bravely battling the unrelenting grip of Sickle Cell Disease since birth. On August 13th, he embarked on a pivotal journey toward a new beginning as he prepares for a Stem Cell Transplant. This journey is not just about survival; it’s about hope, love, and the fierce desire to thrive.
Sickle Cell Disease is a relentless adversary, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. It has stolen countless moments from Thor—moments filled with laughter, adventure, and joy. Instead, his days have been overshadowed by painful complications: fevers that leave him trembling, infections that threaten his very existence, gallstones, and an elevated risk of stroke. He has endured vaso-occlusive crises that feel like a cruel thief in the night, stealing away his childhood and leaving behind a shadow of pain. At times, he has felt trapped in a body that betrays him, unable to participate in the simple joys of life, like family vacations, for fear of an impending crisis.
I will never forget the day Thor confided in me, his voice heavy with emotion. He looked at me and said, “Mom, I think it would be easier if I wasn’t here anymore. I’m tired, not just physically, but mentally.” My heart shattered as he shared his fears of being a burden to our family. In that moment, I realized the immense weight he carries every day, a weight no child should ever have to bear. We talked long into the night, and while it was a painful conversation, I felt blessed that he found the courage to share his true feelings.
Our journey began years ago when I received my own alarming diagnosis: an abnormal TCD scan indicating an elevated risk of stroke. This news opened the door to a world of chronic blood transfusions and endless medical appointments, leading us to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), formerly known as Be The Match. For African Americans, finding a match can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, with only a 29% chance of success. We must change this narrative and encourage more individuals to join the registry, as lives depend on it.
In 2017, we found a match for Thor, only to face the heartbreak of that match backing out. Over the years, we encountered two more potential donors who could not be located. Each setback has felt like a punch to the gut, but we hold onto hope. Earlier this year, Thor’s sister Sierra stepped up to be tested and emerged as a better match for him.
Thor’s path to transplant is fraught with challenges. He is currently undergoing three rounds of chemotherapy, with the first round completed successfully, despite a troubling allergic reaction to one of the medications. With Transplant Day looming on October 22, he is determined to push through, even as he battles Avascular Necrosis in his left hip, which has left him in pain and struggling to walk. We pray that the transplant will stop the bone death of his femur and spare him from core decompression surgery.
Unfortunately, stem cell transplants come with a hefty price tag. The costs of travel, food, and lodging for family members supporting us during this critical time are mounting. We are reaching out to you, our community, to help us ease this financial burden.
In appreciation for your generosity, Thor has become a Certified MyIntent Maker and wishes to gift each donor a handcrafted bracelet. Each bracelet is a reminder of resilience and intention, embodying words like "Faith," "Grit," and "Focused" Simply provide your mailing address, and we will send you this small token of gratitude.
Please consider joining the fight against Sickle Cell Disease. Get tested, know your trait status, and help us raise awareness for Sickle Cell. Your support means the world to us.
You can also donate via:
Cash App: $HLAType
Text: Showup4Thor to 61474
Follow our journey on:
Facebook: TeamThor27
IG: Thors_quest -
YouTube: FishOnForte
Organizer
Tameka Forte
Organizer
Havelock, NC