In September 2013, Naomi became ill with what appeared to be a virus. After a week of not improving, her doctor ordered blood tests. The blood tests came back with critically low levels of all her blood cells: red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells.

On September 23, 2013, she was hospitalized in critical care with a preliminary diagnosis of leukemia. At the hospital, initial blood tests for leukemia found no leukemia cells. So, a bone marrow biopsy was performed and no leukemia cells were further confirmed. Further bone marrow testing needed to be complete before a final diagnosis could be given.

On Friday, September 27, 2013, Naomi was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, a rare disease of the bone marrow and the stem cells found there in which the bone marrow does not make enough cells for the body to function properly. This results in a decrease of red blood cells (anemia), platelets (thrombocytopenia), and white blood cells (leukopenia).  Considered misnamed by many, Aplastic Anemia is very much like leukemia and not at all like anemia.

In January 2014, Naomi traveled almost 300 miles away from home to have a bone marrow transplant.  Micayah, her oldest brother, was her perfect match and will forever be her hero.  Naomi is now in outpatient care and still away from home to be near the hospital.

This website is Naomi’s story, shared by her family including parents, Aaron and Kristy, and her five siblings, Micayah, Malakye, Lauryn, Niamh and Caitriona. Join us in prayer and in support of Naomi and as we together learn about Aplastic Anemia.

Naomi, born in mid-August, fits the Leo profile.  We have always referred to as the lioness, and her Daddy, also born in August is the Lion King.  Like her Daddy, Naomi the lioness is kindhearted and helpful in nature.  She is energetic and spreads positive energy.  She does not get easily discouraged or suffer from setbacks.

Before her diagnosis, she was a gymnast at Gymcats in Henderson, NV.  She advanced 3 times in less than one calendar year and was set to start competing in the Junior Olympic division Spring 2014.  Always willing to try hard, Naomi is now putting all her fight into beating Aplastic Anemia.

I am her mother, Kristy.  I began to chronicle Naomi’s journey with Aplastic Anemia upon her second admittance to St. Rose Hospital – Siena Campus, Henderson, NV.  The outpouring of prayer, support and love had been generous, and in an attempt to keep everyone who cares informed about Naomi’s progress and her care, I began to update a CaringBridge site regularly.  After some time, I came to know the limitations of the CB site with regard to mobile devices, photos posting with incorrect formatting, and me not getting notifications from friends/contacts.  Comments would go unseen and it would take me clicking and digging to determine who replied to journal posts – there were no notifications for journal replies, only for guestbook comments.

We have pride in Naomi and invite you to join the PRIDE OF NAOMI.

Naomi’s first transplant failed in the fall of 2016.  Diagnosed with secondary graft failure, she prepares for a second bone marrow transplant In March 2017.