Amauri was diagnosed at birth with sickle cell anemia, a condition in which a person's red blood cells are misshapen and rigid. He experienced his first sickle cell crisis—severe pain, swelling, fatigue and fever—when he was 7 months old.
A Phoenix Children’s patient since the age of 2, Amauri had over 30 inpatient hospital stays and emergency department visits during the first six years of his life. He wasn’t able to go out and play like other kids because he was always dealing with medical issues.
Phoenix Children’s became a home away from home for him. His mom, Joanna, says, “Amauri did not have a typical childhood, but our family and Phoenix Children’s ensured he had the best childhood anyone could ask for. ”
Because he was in and out of the hospital so often, Amauri relied on Phoenix Children's 1 Darn Cool School—an on-site, fully accredited school funded by philanthropy—to keep up with his schoolwork. “1 Darn Cool School was a blessing to us because Amauri missed so much time away from his regular schooling,” Joanna says.
A couple months before his 7th birthday, Amauri had a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor who was a 100% match. Despite some complications immediately following the transplant, Amauri today is very healthy. His mom says he’s like a kid who never had sickle cell anemia. He visits Phoenix Children’s once a year as part of the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Survivorship Program, and he undergoes a series of tests to make sure he is still healthy.
Amauri is an excellent student, a leader among his peers, and a hardworking athlete who is passionate about football. He also likes to draw, paint, sing and dance.
Joanna says, “Amauri always has a great attitude about everything and finds joy in the smallest things. He is gentle and kind. He truly cares about others’ feelings and always wants to make you smile. He has such a loving spirit.”
She adds, “The care team at Phoenix Children's is phenomenal. Each encounter is filled with so much warmth. They make Amauri feel very special and show how much they care with every word and action. We are grateful for receiving services from this hospital. It is exceptional.”
Amauri's Interests
Football
Drawing
Painting
Singing
Dancing
- “The care team at Phoenix Children's is phenomenal. Each encounter is filled with so much warmth. They make Amauri feel very special and show how much they care with every word and action.”JoannaAmauri's mom
Phoenix Children’s Patient Ambassadors are a valiant bunch—they’ve shown immense strength amidst great setbacks. They’re also athletes, intellectuals, artists and the best siblings.
Even though their lives are full of medical appointments, they want to help other patients. Each ambassador has created a fundraising page to support Phoenix Children’s. Consider donating to Amauri's fund today.
