10-Year-Old Boy Combating Leukemia for the Second Time, Still Awaiting Donor for Bone Marrow Transplant
A 10-year-old boy, who is reportedly battling cancer for the second time, desperately needs a bone marrow transplant that, according to reports, will expectantly give him a second chance to live.
10-year-old Brian Perkins, who is reportedly battling cancer for the second time, desperately needs a bone marrow transplant that, according to reports, will expectantly give him a second chance to live.
According to his mom, Juanita Perkins, during an interview, the 10-year-old-boy was diagnosed with leukemia just a couple of weeks after he celebrated his 10th birthday in November last year.
After one month of what was described as 'harsh' chemotherapy treatments, "Brian went into remission," Juanita added.
However, in June this year, the boy's cancer reportedly returned, leaving him with no other choice but to go through a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, though, they could not find a perfect match for Brian.
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Finding the Perfect Match for the Transplant
Based on data from Be The Match, "white people have a 77 percent chance to find the perfect match." On the other hand, black people have just a chance of 23 percent, which was something this 39-year-old mom refused to take.
Juanita said, when she found the small chance of finding a donor, she said she "needed to do something." She added, she tries to be an advocate for his son but, "I just don't settle."
When the boy was initially diagnosed with the illness, his mom said, she remembered it as the very day that changed their lives forever.
On a GoFundMe page, Juanita wrote, her heart just "dropped on the floor," and her world came apart. She began helping to raise money for the medical expenses of her son, including his everyday needs.
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Cancer's Return, Feeling the First Time it Occurred
Months later, when cancer returned, Juanita, who also has a 19-year-old son, found it really distressing. She said it was like reviving how it felt the first time they knew about it.
Doctors told Juanita right away that she needed a donor as cancer would keep returning. As Brian goes and receives treatment, his mom said, she's tried to explain to him, many times, what's going on.
However, the mom shared she does not want her son to know because it's making him sad, and she does not want him to feel that way.
While he may not be aware of some details about his leukemia, Brian is aware that he needs "a stem cell transplant" and that it can be from any person although that particular person who shares his native background is preferred.
Donor Should be from the Same Ethnic Background
Stated on the Be The Match website, the Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) markers used to match are hereditary. Some native groups are said to have "more complex types of tissue" compared to the others.
Therefore, an individual's highest chance to find a donor maybe with an individual of a similar ethnic background.
Possibly, Juanita said, "We can find one more person," although the genetics should "fit like a lock and key." The 39-year-old mother also noted she was not registered as a donor.
This mom from Indiana created a Facebook page she called "Keep BJ Strong," where she posts medical updates, promotes awareness about Brian's fight against leukemia, and appeals to people, particularly Blacks, to register, as well.
Eventually, this mom of two is looking forward to more people hearing Brian's condition and either share his story too, or be inspired to sign up, as well, and perhaps, save her son's life.
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Aug 20, 2020 04:26 AM EDT
