He missed out on quite a bit final 12 months. Preventing points with sickle cell anemia had him out and in of the hospital. By means of all of it, he appeared to the Indianapolis Colts for a ray of hope.
By IU Well being Senior Journalist, T.J. Banes, tfender1@iuhealth.org
Because the Indianapolis Colts scramble to clinch a bid for the NFL playoffs, one fan says he’ll by no means surrender on his dwelling crew.
“I really like the Colts a lot, I bleed blue,” mentioned tremendous fan, Christopher Sharp. “They signify town of Indianapolis. They offer me inspiration the best way they’ve been beat down and hold coming again.”
Sharp is aware of slightly bit about being beat down.
Recognized early in life with sickle cell anemia, he has been out and in of the hospital in search of reduction for ache and different signs of the inherited blood illness. Sharp is within the care of IU Well being’s Dr. Rakesh Mehta, who focuses on hematology.
He estimates he was hospitalized greater than 30 instances final 12 months. On lots of these stays he cheered for the Colts from his hospital mattress. On Nov. 28, 2021, Sharp lastly obtained his likelihood to see his favourite crew face off in opposition to Tampa Bay, however he didn’t make it to kick off. One other assault landed him again within the hospital.
When IU Well being crew members heard of his disappointment they organized 4 tickets to the Jan. 2, 2022 recreation. Sharp was overwhelmed by the chance to observe the Colts face off in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The sport led to a loss for the Colts (9-7) however it didn’t change Sharp’s loyalty. His spouse of 11 years, Letitia, daughter Taylor, 13, and son, Chris, 12, joined him within the stands.
“I can’t start to explain the fun of being there and watching them on the sphere,” mentioned Sharp. “I loved each second of the sport. It was nice taking within the ambiance – the halftime giveaways and a superb outdated stadium hotdog,” mentioned Sharp, a life lengthy resident of Indianapolis’ east aspect. He performed soccer and graduated from Warren Central Excessive Faculty.
Three days after his outing to Lucas Oil Stadium Sharp was once more admitted to IU Well being College Hospital. Throughout his keep he acquired one other shock from IU Well being crew members – an autographed Colts helmet.
As he held it, he cried and apologized for his feelings.
“I’ve been by some powerful instances and I’ve to say the Colts brighten my blues,” mentioned Sharp. He confirmed the helmet to cost nurse, Alec Stevenson, and mentioned he by no means needs to place it down.
However when he does, Sharp mentioned he would wish to show it on his aspect of the bed room.
“We reside in a home divided. My spouse is a Saints and Patriots fan. How did that ever occur?” he laughs.
Requested if he had any favourite gamers Sharp talked about huge receiver, T.Y. Hilton, and linebacker, Darius Leonard.
And what are Sharp’s predictions for the playoff bid? “We’re going to the Tremendous Bowl. I don’t have a doubt.”
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