Austin Jackson is a star football player at the University of Southern California. His entire life consists of football, whether that is training for it, watching it, or playing it. While football is a major part of his life, he is also devoted to his family, especially his younger sister, Autumn. Autumn has Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA), which has required her to receive blood transfusions every three weeks for years. As her condition progressed, it became clear that she was in need of a bone marrow transplant. Luckily, Austin was a match. He did not hesitate to donate to his sister, even though it meant risking his spot in the NFL draft.
About Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA)
Diamond Blackfan anemia is characterized by an issue with the bone marrow that results in a lack of red blood cells. This dearth of blood cells leads to multiple complications, some of which are severe. It is a very rare condition; only five to seven infants out of every million are affected.
Mutations in multiple genes can result in DBA. All of these genes are integral in the making of ribosomal proteins, which are necessary in cell development and growth. These mutations result in the death of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
DBA shares many of the symptoms of the classic form of anemia, including irritability, pale skin, fatigue, heart murmurs, and a rapid heartbeat. It also carries its own symptoms, such as a smaller head, wide-set eyes, glaucoma, cataracts, droopy eyelids, small and low-set ears, a broad and flat nose bridge, a small lower jaw, cleft palate and lip, a short neck, small and high shoulder blades, deformed or missing thumbs, and stunted growth. Only half of those affected by DBA experience these additional symptoms.
This condition is typically diagnosed between two and four months after birth. Doctors will look for characteristic symptoms, evaluate family history, and look for reticulocytopenia and macrocytic anemia. They will use multiple tests to confirm this diagnosis, such as a complete blood count, reticulocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, bone marrow biopsy, and genetic testing.
Doctors may prescribe a variety of medications or procedures in order to boost the production of red blood cells. Corticosteroids, blood transfusions, chelation therapy, and stem cell transplants are all options for treatment. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the case.
Austin and Autumn’s Story
Autumn Jackson had a severe case of DBA, requiring her to undergo blood transfusions every three weeks for five years. It was not until 2019 that her condition worsened to the point that a blood transfusion was the best option. Fortunately, her brother was a perfect match.
Austin did not hesitate to be his sister’s donor, even if it meant risking his spot in the NFL draft. The procedure is physically demanding; Austin took the majority of his season to return to full health and strength. Being a donor also means avoiding illnesses of any kind, so Austin went into isolation. He trained in Phoenix rather than at USC in order to avoid contact with any germs.
In the end, the surgery was successful for Autumn and Austin. He was able to return to football within a month of the procedure, and Autumn went into remission. She required chemotherapy, but has since finished that treatment and gone into full recovery. Her future plans include graduating high school and enrolling in college.
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