Nationwide — Zoey Jones, a 9-year-old African American girl from Birmingham, Alabama, is recovering after undergoing successful brain surgery to treat Moyamoya disease, a rare complication linked to sickle cell anemia. Her family says doctors completed the five-hour procedure successfully and will closely monitor her as she begins the long recovery. The surgery took place Wednesday after doctors determined that Moyamoya was restricting blood flow to her brain. Her mother, Erin, said surgeons implanted a posterior artery into the affected area to help improve circulation. She will remain in the pediatric intensive care unit for several days while doctors watch her condition. They are particularly monitoring several vessels deeper in the middle of her brain over the next few months.
According to WVTM, her health challenges began when she was diagnosed with the most severe form of sickle cell anemia at just 3 months old. Her family moved from Mobile to Birmingham when she was 6 months old so she could receive specialized treatment at Children’s of Alabama. Since then, she has endured frequent hospital stays, blood transfusions, severe pain, and gallbladder complications. She also suffered strokes, including one at school, and eventually had to give up soccer and other activities.
Doctors later diagnosed Zoey with Moyamoya disease, which causes the major arteries supplying blood to the brain to narrow over time. As the blood supply decreases, the brain can form a network of tiny blood vessels to compensate. These vessels can create a “puff of smoke” appearance on brain scans. The condition can raise the risk of strokes, seizures, and headaches. Zoey also recently had a second port placed so she can continue apheresis treatments every three weeks to help manage her sickle cell disease. Although she is on a bone marrow match list, her Moyamoya diagnosis makes her ineligible for gene therapy.
The recovery process will keep Zoey at home for several months. She will be homeschooled and must avoid activities that could raise her blood pressure while her brain heals. She will continue apheresis treatments every three weeks and is expected to undergo another MRI in about six months. Doctors will also address her gallbladder problems and consider a bone marrow transplant if a suitable donor is found.
The family’s medical expenses have continued to grow because of Zoey’s treatments, surgeries, and specialized care. They launched a GoFundMe to help cover those costs, and the fundraiser has raised more than $7,000 so far. Erin also thanked everyone who has supported her daughter throughout the difficult journey.
“I can’t even put into words how thankful we are,” Erin said. “I was so nervous all day BUT GOD heard every prayer, and our girl made it through. Thank you for loving, praying for, and supporting our Zoey.” After the surgery, Make-A-Wish also contacted the family and plans to help Zoey receive a wish of her choosing as she continues her recovery.