Michael’s twin boys, now considered heroes, were born with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an uncommon immunodeficiency disorder affecting one in every 500,000 individuals annually. This condition, as described by the National Institutes of Health, results in abnormalities in the immune system, leaving individuals incapable of combating infections. Currently, a bone marrow transplant stands as the sole recognized treatment for CGD.
Robin Parnell and her husband were already parents to two children, Dominic, aged 9, and Michael, aged 4, when they learned that Robin was pregnant with twins. Unfortunately, the twins arrived prematurely and spent two weeks in the intensive care unit after birth.
Upon further testing, both twins were diagnosed with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Fortunately, Dominic had already undergone successful treatment through transplantation. It was discovered that Michael was a perfect match for the transplant. Despite his young age of four, he was asked if he wanted to help his brothers by donating bone marrow.
Despite being warned about the discomfort and the need for a needle insertion into his spine, the brave young child agreed to undergo the transplant to save his brothers. Terrified but determined, he saw himself as a superhero and willingly went through with the procedure. Thanks to his selfless act, the operation was successful, and both twin boys were able to live. Even two years later, the young superhero remains proud of his courageous and altruistic deed.