Ethan the Adventurous

(Ethan's GoFundMe can be found here.)

Our newest hero is one of the most fun, adventurous kids you'll meet. There's never a dull moment with Ethan. From having dance parties to racing cars around the hospital wing at Mott Children's Hospital, we had a blast getting to know Ethan, his mom, and beautiful baby sister Ophelia.

"Be the shining light" is the mantra Ethan's mom instills within Ethan every day to help him get through his difficult journey with sickle cell disease (SCD).

This genetic disease affects the blood by creating mainly sickle-shaped blood cells, instead of primarily healthy O-shaped blood cells. With the cells being sickle, they are “sticky” and the sticky cells get stuck passing through veins and anywhere there is blood flow present.

One of the most special things about Ethan is that he is the best big brother to Ophelia. Although Ophelia has never been hospitalized for it, she also has SCD. Ethan is brave not just for himself, but for Ophelia too.

Ethan's Story:

Ethan is only 8 years old, but has already had to be brave beyond his years. His sickle cell disease has ended us up in the hospital multiple times a year since he was 2 years old. He has had many difficulties in life thus far and his condition has deteriorated over the years.

His symptoms range from learning difficulties to intense pain crises all over his body, immobility of his legs, extreme chest pain, back pain, and now sometimes even temporary paralysis, vision loss, hearing impairment, and speech confusion. His neural symptoms have been diagnosed as having TIAs (transient ischemic attacks, which are mini-strokes).

Ethan is hopeful to have a stem cell match that could potential cure him.

Ethan likes to break dance, beat box, sing, do STEM activities, he’s a people person, and especially LOVES being a big brother to his baby sister Ophelia.

I tell him everyday: “Be the shining light that you are and touch the world."

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Ethan has not lost his sense of adventure and playfulness throughout his battle with SCD, remaining a beacon of bravery and hope for his baby sister and all of us at The House of Hutch. That's why he's our hero.

Please consider donating to help Ethan and Ophelia fight SCD.

Love Always,

Team Hutch