Zyreal is fifteen (almost 16) years old. He has sickle cell disease which has seriously threatened his life many times. A bone marrow transplant was attempted to cure him when he was seven, but it failed. He lives with frequent boughts of pain and is prone to Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS), an extremely aggressive form of pneumonia. He regularly confounds his medical providers, being both extreme and unusual in his symptoms and reactions to treatment.
Zyreal is a very creative and intelligent young man. His drive and determination keep him going, and sometimes trip him up.
Until a cure is found, we are blessed to have him as our son, and are hopeful that we will continue to be blessed for a long, long time.
The support we have received from our friends, family, and community in general has been enormously helpful as we struggle with this difficult disease. We are very grateful. :)
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