Keedah Osborne

I've been battling Sickle Cell Disease with my son Treymon for 17 years. We have laughed, cried and most of all prayed for healing. During his battle we fought against pain, infections, strokes and so much more. We decided to try a bone marrow transplant to give him a chance at a healthier life in July 2019, and after a long tedious stay of time in the hospital we were told the transplant was unsuccessful. Hearing Treymon express his passion to play in the NBA one day, along with so many of his other dreams, hurt my heart where I started thinking he may not be able to accomplish his goals because of his illness. Together, we discussed a second transplant in August 2020 in an attempt to make things right. Due to Covid-19 we had to prepare and pack as if we were going on a long vacation, because we weren't able to leave the hospital once admitted. The transplant was completed on 08/14/20 and were so excited that he was having little reactions to the Chemo and radiation. During the continued stay things spiraled. He started to have issues with his blood pressure where we were told he need to go into the PIC unit because the amount of medication needed can only be administered in that unit. What started as hypertension problems then escalated to lung problems. After 3 days with a breathing tube he was placed on life support. My God, how did we get there still puzzles me. After 2-weeks on ECMO his lungs began to heal and we were told his cells were grafted 100 percent my cells. That was music to my/ours ears with thinking my baby is finally free. My, I was wrong...his WBC and platelets dropped within 3-days and his body succumb to fighting CMV virus. One month and 3-weeks later, my son, Treymon lost his battle against the Sickle Cell Disease. On September 24th, 2020, I was left to explain to my 10-year-old and 12-year-old daughters that their brother would never come home. Never did I think I will have to plan a funeral for the passing of a child; moreless my son. I/We were so convinced as well as hopeful the transplant was going to work. You know they say...Tell God your plan and watch him laugh.