Alexa Turner’s bone marrow transplant postponed for medical evaluation

When you have sickle cell, it’s not just the one thing that’s being hard. It’s just that you just got to keep on going and keep on walking through that path and let God walk you through it and keep on being brave, Alexa Turner said, according to WBRC.

A bone marrow transplant scheduled for January to treat 9-year-old Alexa Turner’s sickle cell disease has been postponed while doctors investigate a potential new diagnosis of Moyamoya disease, family representatives reported to WBRC.

Alexa Turner’s Sickle Cell Diagnosis and Daily Life

The Alabaster, Alabama resident has endured painful crises, acute chest syndrome, asthma, hospital stays, and monthly blood transfusions designed to lower her stroke risk ever since she was diagnosed. She has already experienced silent strokes and reduced blood flow to parts of her brain due to sickle cell anemia.

Amari Rose Serves as Bone Marrow Match

Alexa’s 13-year-old brother, Amari Rose, is a compatible bone marrow match. Family representatives stated that the siblings share an extraordinary bond, and Rose agreed to the procedure to help his sister.

It’s been sad to watch my sister get hurt and like in pain.

Amari Rose

Preparations had already been made by the family, which involved getting ready for an expected six-week hospital stay along with a recovery timeframe that might have kept Alexa studying from home for nine to 12 months.

Medical Evaluation for Moyamoya Disease

Doctors are currently investigating whether Alexa has Moyamoya disease, a rare and progressive condition affecting blood flow to the brain. In this condition, arteries supplying blood to the brain narrow or block, prompting the brain to develop networks of tiny, fragile blood vessels to compensate.

Moyamoya disease increases the risk of strokes and other neurological complications. In children, it can trigger transient ischemic attacks, seizures, weakness, and cognitive difficulties, and in severe cases can lead to permanent neurological damage or life-threatening strokes.

Because of this unexpected medical discovery, the family faces an anticipated six-month process of additional medical evaluations, monitoring, and decisions regarding the safest path forward. Jennifer Turner, Alexa’s mother and a self-employed salon owner, has spent years managing her daughter's care while dealing with her own health challenges.

Community Support and Fundraising Efforts

To help cover everyday financial obligations, medical travel, and household costs over the course of the evaluation phase, an online fundraiser has been set up through GoFundMe. Additionally, the family encourages blood donations, as Alexa continues to depend on monthly transfusions and blood supplies remain essential for sickle cell patients.