Sheffield sophomore Austen Dickerson to donate bone marrow to sister

SHEFFIELD, Ala. (WAFF) – Threadgill Primary School sophomore Austen Dickerson is ready to give his little sister a potentially life-saving gift: his perfectly matched bone marrow.

Four-year-old Addisyn Dickerson, who suffers from sickle cell anemia, will undergo a bone marrow transplant on September 11 at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

One in 13 African Americans carries the sickle cell trait.

Addisyn, who is in preschool at Northwest-Shoals Community College, has been on a maintenance medication regimen since she was 9 months old.

The children’s mother, Autumn, said her two sons are part of an early prevention program for prepubertal treatment. It involved educating both children about the specifics of the disease and the role each of them will play in Addisyn’s path to health.

“Addisyn knows her brother is a superhero and he knows the importance of what he’s doing for his sister,” Autumn Dickerson said. “They both understand this way beyond their younger years.”

For Austen, 7, he will donate bone marrow from his lower back on an outpatient basis. He must self-isolate for two weeks before his sister’s surgery.

Addisyn begins a chemotherapy regimen next week in preparation.

Austen will return to school the following week after the donation. Addisyn will finish her school year virtually.

“I’m so proud of both of them for their courage and determination to see that Addisyn is healthy,” Autumn said. “If Addisyn’s body accepts the bone marrow, she will be cured. Even if she doesn’t accept it completely, her prognosis is much better. We’re looking forward to her getting well and being able to do everything she wants to do, except play soccer. We’re very hopeful.”

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