Family relies on faith
Bjorn Tranquim is 13 years old.
He loves riding motorbikes, cooking, hanging out with mates and online gaming.
He also has a rare blood disorder that if left untreated, could kill him.
No match could be found for a bone marrow transplant and the search for a cure led the Geraldton schoolboy to an experimental medical trial on the other side of the world.
Since he was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue in November, Bjorn has endured constant monitoring of his vitals, many blood tests and medication.
Once the cause of the condition was identified as the blood disorder Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), there were photographs and interviews for future research before Bjorn left for the US two weeks ago. Bjorn’s mother, professional musician Nalini Tranquim, said her son would be the first person in California to receive stem cell treatment for X-ALD.
It’s not known if the treatment will be successful but she said the family was drawing on their Christian faith to support them.
“This is a clinical trial and so there is no guarantee of success, ” she said. “However, we are believing for a miracle for our boy and stand firm on the promises of God.”
“We didn’t know the severity of his condition until much later and it’s a miracle that he is even with us today.
“We are blown away by Bjorn’s faith that God is in absolute control no matter the outcome.
The sponsor of the clinical trial has covered much of the cost of Bjorn’s treatment, travel and accommodation.
Mrs Tranquim said she was humbled by generous donations from people in Geraldton and around the world which had enabled her 16-year-old Ramon, to stay with his family in the US and continue his Year 12 studies by distance education. A family friend set up an online donation campaign called Blessings For Bjorn that has raised nearly $5000 to help the family.
Midwest Charity Begins At Home has donated $10,000, which has helped the family buy a second-hand car and to pay for accommodation in Los Angeles. Mrs Tranquim said the family were astounded by the generosity of people who had heard of their plight.
“We want to thank everyone in Geraldton and beyond who have given not only financially, but who have sent emails of support, texts with words of encouragement, ” she said.
“Honestly, we have seen a community rally behind a family in crisis like we never thought possible.
“The support we have received has spurred us on to not lose heart but to keep the faith and believe that this will work out and will bring glory to God.”
