Teen brother to donate lifesaving bone marrow to younger sister battling sickle cell

Alabama nine‑year‑old Alexa Turner will undergo a January bone marrow transplant after severe sickle cell complications. Her 13‑year‑old brother, Amari Rose, is the matched donor offering her a chance at recovery.

Alexa has lived with sickle cell since she was six months old. She has endured pain crises, acute chest syndrome, asthma, breathing emergencies and repeated hospital stays.

Doctors also discovered silent strokes and reduced blood flow to part of her brain.

According to the CDC, children with sickle cell disease face higher chances of silent strokes and reduced blood flow to the brain, both of which Alexa has experienced. As a result, Alexa now receives monthly blood transfusions to lower her stroke risk.

Her family hopes the transplant will reduce her medical crises and give her more freedom.

Brother Donates Bone Marrow to Help Save Her Life

Alexa’s brother Amari is ready to help his sister get another chance at life. Two siblings matched, but the family chose Amari.

Amari said watching Alexa suffer has been painful. “It’s been sad to watch my sister get hurt and, like, in pain,” he said.

The transplant will include chemotherapy and radiation to prepare Alexa’s body for Amari’s healthy donor cells. After surgery, the family will quarantine for 9 to 12 months to protect Alexa while her immune system rebuilds.

Sickle Cell Has Shaped Alexa’s Childhood

Alexa has faced acute chest syndrome every year.

She receives monthly transfusions to prevent a major stroke because a major blood vessel is not supplying enough blood to her brain.

Her mother, Jennifer Turner, said both children are learning difficult medical terms, including “blood transfusion,” “surgery” and “lifesaving.” She hopes the transplant will stabilize Alexa’s health and allow her to enjoy a more typical childhood.

Despite her challenges, Alexa cheers with Thompson Little League, paints nails and advocates for sickle cell awareness.

Family Launches Fundraiser for Caregiving Costs

Alexa’s aunt created a verified GoFundMe to help cover caregiving expenses, household needs and months of missed work during the transplant and recovery.

The fundraiser has already raised thousands as the family prepares for a long hospital stay and up to a year of home‑based schooling.

Her family says community support gives them strength. “Knowing they have a community behind them gives us strength,” Turner said.