Kelsey Farris is one happy 12-year-old. When staff members at Children’s Hospital New Orleans gave her tickets to a Taylor Swift performance, she was both thrilled and surprised.
The hospital revealed in a news release that Kelsey had been admitted to the hospital more than 20 times throughout most of her life and that she was diagnosed with a severe form of sickle cell disease instantly after birth.
Her mother, Ebony Farris, said in a statement, “She has endured multiple episodes of acute chest syndrome and several sickle cell pain crises. It reached a point where her quality of life was significantly diminishing because she was living with chronic pain every day, even when she wasn’t in the hospital.”
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Specialists concluded that an allogeneic stem cell transplant was the best course of action for her. This procedure replaces the damaged hemoglobin-producing cells with healthy cells that have been donated by someone else. “These donor cells can come from a family member, an unrelated donor, or umbilical cord blood. If successful, this procedure can cure sickle cell disease,” the hospital said in the release.
The 12-year-old thankfully found an anonymous donor “in less than two months,” and on November 7, 2023, she got the transplant.
The hospital added that “her bloodwork quickly showed no signs of sickle cell disease after the transplant. Since the transplant, her mother has noticed a remarkable transformation in Kelsey, with increased energy, a greater willingness to be active, and a renewed vibrancy.”
Kelsey is currently working to get fully back to her regular life after the transplant, the hospital said.
“Transplant for sickle cell disease is a challenging process because of the burden of disease these children have,” Dr. Zachary LeBlanc said in the release. “Kelsey is certainly no different. While her graft function is excellent, she continues to fight with complications related to transplant. The transplant team and her family are hopeful she will be able to resume her normal activities in the new year.”
In spite of her diagnosis and the health problems she has faced over the years, Kelsey consistently brings joy to each area she encounters.
The hospital recently posted a video showing Kelsey sleeping in her bed as the CEO and doctors enter her room and give her two tickets to see Swift, her favorite singer, perform at the Caesars Superdome on October 26 as part of her Eras Tour.
The hospital stated, “Known for her bright smile and witty dad jokes, Kelsey’s positivity lights up the clinic each day, and her artistic talents bring creativity to every visit.”
They explained, “For Kelsey, receiving these tickets is a well-deserved moment of joy after such a challenging year, which included receiving a bone marrow transplant. Plus, she is one of Taylor Swift’s biggest fans.”
