NBA Player’s Son Undergoes Cord Blood Transplant

At just 15-months-old, Carmani Boozer suffered from sickle-cell anemia, an inherited disease that reduces the patient’s count of healthy red blood cells. The disease put the young child at the risk of having a stroke, in addition to constantly experience shooting pain in various parts of his body. To help cure the disease, Carmani’s parents decided that he would undergo a cord blood transplant.

Carmani underwent a cord blood transplant at just over one year of age. The unit of cord blood was supplied by one of his older brothers and injected into his bone marrow to help replace his abnormal red blood cells.

Carmani’s father is a forward for the Chicago Bulls NBA team. Four years after the transplant, he is proud to say that his son is living a normal life with his family.

“He’s a healthy kid living happily in Miami with his mother and brothers”, says Boozer.

The now 5-year-old continues to be monitored by doctors, but only has to go to the doctor once a year to ensure that he is complete rid of the disease. His bravery has inspired his family, who have been profoundly impacted by the experience.

"It teaches you how precious life really is," Boozer says.

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/05/02/1997830/playoff-pressure-no-sweat-for.html