Meet Champion, Noah

Eight-year-old Noah lives with beta thalassemia major, also known as Cooley’s anemia, a rare blood disorder that prevents his body from making enough healthy red blood cells. Without treatment, he would become dangerously anemic. To survive, Noah receives blood transfusions every two weeks at Kentucky Children’s Hospital, over 120 so far. Each transfusion takes about eight hours and is part of a routine Noah and his dad call their “guys’ day. While donor blood flows through his permanent port, Noah builds Legos, plays Nintendo, or watches TV, with his dad working by his side. Though the treatments carry risks of iron buildup, Noah takes medication to help remove the excess. Noah has thrived with the love of his family and the dedication of his care team. He’s brave, joyful, and full of life, swimming, playing, and making memories with his family