Krabbe Child Gives His Brother a Second Chance at Life

Memories from Nana…

Kyle and Mitch Forslind

Mitchell Forslind was diagnosed with Krabbe Disease at the age of 2, shortly after he began to show symptoms. Once his parents were told of the tragic news, they quickly tested their younger son, Kyle, who was symptom free. Their worst fears came true: they now had 2 sons living with a deadly disease. The family soon heard of the life saving transplants being performed on Krabbe children by Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg at Duke University. Unfortunately, Mitch did not make it, but because of him, his brother Kyle was given a second chance. Here, Grandma Forslind recounts her bittersweet memories of the two boys:

My six grandkids give me the greatest gifts a grandparent could ask for: unconditional love, faith, memories and laughter.

Grandsons Mitchell and Kyle, sons of Dave and Fran Forslind, hold an extra special place in my heart. Mitchell, born September 21, 1999, was diagnosed with Krabbe in June 2002. Kyle, born on June 25, 2001, was diagnosed shortly after. When my son, Dave, told me the news, I was stunned. The family went to Duke University Hospital in July 2002 to undergo Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplants in August. North Carolina is a long way from New Hampshire when it separates your family. Mitchell became an Angel on January 18, 2003.

Early spring, 2002, I went to visit the boys at home. Kyle, in his walker, and Mitchell, on his tyke bike, were chasing each other around the kitchen table. The giggles were so sweet! Before they left for Duke, we celebrated Kyle's first birthday. Mitchell shared the celebration- family, friends, gifts, and cake. Mitchell helped Kyle with the frosting.

Mitchell, my first grandson! A baby picture of Mitchy says it all. He is waving his little hand: "Here I am. I am going to do great things!" Little did we know what was to be. I miss the "hug-or-squeeze" times, his bright eyes and smile. In 2000, we went tenting in Baxter State Park in Maine where Mitchell went canoeing. He hiked to the top of a mountain on his dads back to a beautiful brook where we had a picnic. In February 2002, Dave and Fran hosted a sledding party at their home. Mitchy giggled as he slid down the hill on a tube! In July 2002, Mitchy slipped off the back of a boat. His sputters and giggles as Dave hauled him out of the water by his life jacket are cherished memories. I asked Mitchy if we should tell mom. He giggled and shook his head "No!" Mitchy and I told her anyway and he giggled some more.

My most poignant memories are from Duke. I visited in September 2002 for Mitchy's third birthday. Dave gave him a remote control vehicle. Mitchell giggled when he nearly ran Nana's toes over. Nana was quick that day! One night, as I was leaving, Mitchy held my hand and whispered, "Nana, don't go". It was the hardest thing I have ever done. Nana's are supposed to make things better and I couldn't do that. I left him there in the loving hands of his parents and God. Mitchy looked so small in a hospital bed so far from home.

I am grateful that the boys were given a second chance at life. Kyle is growing stronger every day. Angel Mitchy is in a better place, free from his earthly bonds. He is free to be a little boy. Kyle and Angel Mitchy touch the hearts of many. Thank you to all who keep the family in their thoughts. It is part of healing to talk about my grandkids.

Godspeed,
Barbara Forslind

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