Nationwide — Isaiah Brooks, a 9-year-old African American boy from Leeds, Alabama, gets a bone marrow transplant from his younger sister, 8-year-old Isabella, after doctors found she was a perfect donor match. The procedure aims to help treat his sickle cell disease and give him a chance at a healthier future.
Isaiah has lived with sickle cell disease, a condition that can cause severe pain, medical emergencies, and missed school. Doctors determined a bone marrow transplant was his best chance for a healthier future.
According to WTVM, his sister willingly became his donor after doctors found she was a perfect match, a rare occurrence among siblings. Their parents, Whitley and Michael Brooks, made sure Isabella understood that she could say no if she felt afraid, but she said she wanted to help because she loves her brother and wants him to live a long life.
“I wanted to help my brother out because I wanted him to live a long life. Because I love him a lot,” Isabella said.
Although she admitted she was nervous, Isabella stayed brave through the process. Isaiah praised his sister, saying she was “really brave and really kind” for helping him.
While Isaiah recovers at Children’s of Alabama, the siblings stay close through FaceTime calls and notes they exchange inside matching teddy bears.
“I said, ‘I love you very much. I can’t wait to see you again,’” Isabella said.
Doctors are waiting for Isabella’s donated stem cells to fully take effect. Isaiah said the first thing he wants to do after leaving the hospital is visit Disney World in Florida.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support the Brooks family during Isaiah’s treatment and recovery. It has so far raised over $6,000.