One year later: Shreveport family is thankful for community support for son with sickle cell

Just over a year ago Rachael Brooks heard the words she had only dreamed of hearing in the years before, a doctor telling her that their son, Braxton, had been cured from sickle cell anemia. It had been a long road, filled with hospital visits and fears that no parent should have to face, but this Thanksgiving they can celebrate.

Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle cell disease which affects the shape of red blood cells.  Usually round and flexible they move easily through blood vessels and carry oxygen to all parts of the body. In sickle cell anemia, some red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These sickle cells become rigid and sticky, which can slow or block blood flow and cause many symptoms including periodic episodes of extreme pain, called pain crises.

Pain crises had become a routine part of Braxton's life, with over 100 episodes and over 50 hospitalizations, 12 of which were ICU stays. His nickname became Braxton the Brave.

Doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant from Braxton's brother, Brennen, at Cook Children's Medical Center hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.

Their insurance would cover 80% of the surgery which can range from $750,000 to $1,000,000, but it left the family in the uncomfortable position of asking for help.

Family friend and honorary aunt of Braxton, Adrienne Adams, created a GoFundMe account and former Louisiana State Representative Barbara Norton hosted an event.

It was this support that helped the family find the strength to move forward and face the disease that if left untreated would kill their youngest child. Every prayer, every card and every donation gave the family strength and hope, “I just didn’t feel alone,” said Brooks.

Brooks credits these prayers, and God, for all the blessings that came, including the operation that went smoother than expected.

Brennen bounced back almost immediately and returned to Shreveport with their father, Groshon Brooks, while Rachael and Braxton stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Worth for three months.

The family would reunite on the weekends with Groshon bringing a new handful of letters they received from supporters. “We got mail every day,” said Groshon, “I didn't know the community would pull together in such a small town as Shreveport, but they came together.”

Those cards were full of encouragement and stories. Once when Rachael with Braxton were at a store a lady came up to them and told them she had a photo of Braxton on her dresser, that she was praying for him.

“Right before the surgery, my mom passed and then my stepson passed away. We felt the love and the support the community gave us. We needed it, we absolutely needed it,” said Rachael.

Last Thanksgiving Braxton’s immune system was not strong enough to have a big gathering. This year is different. They plan to spend the day surrounded by their extended family and friends.

“The community really showed up for us, they really showed up for Braxton, and I will forever be grateful,” said Rachael.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: How Shreveport family is thankful for son's sickle cell cure