11-year-old Kelsey Farris from Marrero has captured hearts with her remarkable story of resilience and hope. Diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD) as a baby, Kelsey faced increasing challenges as she grew older, with a stem cell transplant emerging as her best chance for a long-term cure. Thanks to the pioneering efforts of the NMDP, Kelsey underwent a life-saving transplant at Children’s Hospital New Orleans.

But the surprises didn’t end there. On the very day she was discharged from the hospital, Kelsey received an unexpected visit from none other than Louisiana musician and Academy Award nominee, Jon Batiste. The joyous encounter served as a heartwarming celebration of Kelsey’s journey and the power of hope.

Historically, African American patients like Kelsey often faced daunting odds in finding compatible donors. However, Kelsey’s story took a miraculous turn when she was entered into the NMDP donor registry, renowned for its diversity. Within just a month, Kelsey found her perfect match: a 27-year-old woman with a remarkable nine out of ten compatibility.

Today, Kelsey is thriving post-transplant, and has resumed school virtually. Kelsey’s journey is a testament to the life-saving impact of organizations like NMDP and the power of community support. You can learn more at BeTheMatch.org.

Kelsey Farris