Football

My 7 year old son asked me tonight what he could be when he grows up. After some discussion he said, "I think I'll just stick with my original goal...a football player!" He LOVES football. Especially the Steelers! It breaks my heart every time he brings it up. Its the uncertainty of ITP that is so frustrating. I just have to keep a smile for him. It's like it's always in the forefront of your mind. I hate seeing his heart broken when he feels fine. He doesn't understand. But, you get a reminder when you see him punch a heavy workout bag at a local sporting goods store and it bruises his knuckles Ugh!

I'm sorry


I have days where I find myself focusing on activities my son can't participate in right now with his platelets low. Its hard, but try to remember there is still a whole list of things our kids can do, even with ITP.

I'm sorry too and sometimes you just have to let yourself acknowledge that this ITP thing is unfair and sucky.

My son used to say that he was going to play in the NFL also. I'm sure you have thought of it but I wanted to mention NFL flag football. Brady played that for a number of seasons and had a great time being the quarterback, learning plays, etc. If you get a good coach it's a fun experience for them. He also pursued other sports - basketball, golf, etc. Brady's hematologist told him that if he wanted to play tackle football in high school he could. She was agreeable to regular blood checks and monthly WinRho during the season so that he could play. That may sound crazy to some people but she offered it as a solution and we were grateful. In the end, Brady really didn't want to commit the time during the summer to doing high school football. He's a freshman this year and, after the season started, coaches were looking for more kids and approached Brady. We considered it but Brady had developed a real passion for basketball the previous spring and, in the end, decided to focus on that. But I think it was good that he was able to really consider football, weigh everything and make his decision. And I have to admit that the thought of the concussions, etc., would scare me even without ITP.

Also - I have a difficult time keeping track of everyone and don't know how long your son has been dealing with this, but he could get lucky and be done with all this soon.

p.s. -Brady has a lifesize Jerome Bettis fathead decal on his wall - I really don't know why, since we're Washington Redskins fans, but he must have a small place in his heart for the Steelers also!...

Good luck to him -