Florida Twins Share Special Bond
Most nine-year-old boys don't view a visit to the barber as a
momentous event. For Franklin Sklar, however, this month's haircut was the
first in three years and another milestone in his recovery from leukemia. "At
least one male in this family now has a full head of hair," jokes his father
Brian.
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| Franklin and Sarah Sklar on their 9th birthday |
Franklin, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in
2002, underwent a bone marrow transplant in October, 2004. His twin sister,
Sarah, was his donor. Thirty-three days later he was out of the hospital and
four months later his sister's marrow had completely engrafted, replacing
Franklin's diseased marrow.
"We've been very blessed and very lucky," says Brian.
The milestones achieved have been many. Franklin's immune system
is now twice as strong as it was in March, allowing him to venture out of the
isolation of his home. He's off to camp this summer, can return to school in
August, can visit with friends, can eat a favorite treat - Grandpa's cheesecake
- and is down to only three medicines per day.
"When he got the green light to go to the movies it was a big
thrill for him," says Brian. "He insisted it be a 'real' movie (an evening
movie) and the joy on his face afterward was great."
Later this summer, Franklin and Sarah will tour the White House in
Washington, DC, a visit arranged by Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Bush, who lost a
sister to leukemia, corresponded with Sarah after she sent him an email about
Franklin. On the day of transplant, he phoned Sarah and Franklin at the
hospital and wished them both well.
Brian and his fiancée, Valerie ZeRoy, marvel at how the
children have survived and grown as a result of the experience. "They're very
special," says Valerie.
"Sarah has become very much the enabler," says Brian, "and always
wants to make sure that Franklin is OK. We try to make sure her needs are met
as well as Franklin's."
As for Franklin: "He's unbelievable," says Brian. "His spirit and
energy are great. He doesn't have down days. He just has down moments and works
through them."
Franklin has some neuropathy as a result of the transplant which
limits his ability to run and walk up stairs. But what Franklin can do is more
important to Brian and Valerie.
"So he won't be the quarterback on the football team. He'll be the
coach. You just change your outlook on things," says Brian.
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