A little sister stepped in when her brother needed it most.
Isaiah Brooks, a 9-year-old from Leeds, Alabama, has received a bone marrow transplant from his 8-year-old sister, Isabella, after doctors found she was a perfect donor match.
The procedure is aimed at treating Isaiah’s sickle cell disease, which has caused severe pain, medical emergencies and missed school. Doctors determined a bone marrow transplant was his best chance for a healthier future.
According to WTVM, Isabella agreed to become his donor after doctors found she was a perfect match, which is rare among siblings.
Their parents, Whitley and Michael Brooks, made sure Isabella understood she could say no if she felt afraid. She told them she wanted to help her brother.
“I wanted to help my brother out because I wanted him to live a long life. Because I love him a lot,” Isabella said.
Although she said she was nervous, Isabella went through with the process. Isaiah called his sister “really brave and really kind” for helping him.
As Isaiah recovers at Children’s of Alabama, the two have been staying connected through FaceTime calls and notes exchanged inside matching teddy bears.
“I said, ‘I love you very much. I can’t wait to see you again,’” Isabella said.
Doctors are waiting for Isabella’s donated stem cells to fully take effect.
Isaiah said the first thing he wants to do after leaving the hospital is visit Disney World in Florida.
A GoFundMe campaign created to support the Brooks family during Isaiah’s treatment and recovery has raised more than $6,000.
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