Teen with rare blood disorder loves fashion, excited to finally attend high school

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Like many young people receiving ready for the begin of a further college calendar year, Karena Bunch, 16, can not hold out to unveil her newest trend. But, in this case, her new apparel and equipment indicate significantly extra to her than they do the average teen. 

Bunch spelled out “fashion is a massive aspect of who I am. It is really massive portion of expressing who I am. So, when I put on these clothing, I can truly feel like myself.” 

And Karena’s mother, Charity, will tell you, that’s been a prolonged time coming.

“I would by no means at any time want any mother or father to have to deal with this. But, if your variety is called, you will get to see what your spouse and children and little ones are made of.”

The Bunch household is aware initially hand. In 2020, Karena was diagnosed with a unusual situation of anemia. It truly is a little something that only a single in a million individuals ever get. 

It encompasses 100% bone marrow failure, with no potential to make new blood cells. It meant a loss of a typical existence. It also intended a loss of hair. 

“I was so baffled about who I was and mentally I was incredibly broken,” mentioned Karena. “Like I explained, I felt like I lost every thing.” 

The moment owning to choose 40 drugs a working day, Karena wanted a transplant. Who much better for a donor, than the individual she sits throughout from just about every night time at the dinner table. Her younger brother Kai was completely ready, inclined, and equipped.

“What she seemed like a yr in the past and what she seems to be like today…. that’s evening and day,: mentioned Charity.

To set in in viewpoint, when Karena reveals up for the very first working day of class at The Einstein School in Plano August 16, it will mark her initial authentic expertise of being in human being in significant faculty, and she’s in 11th grade. Envision that…..as she sifts via her initially working day outfit possibilities. 

“I’m significantly far more self-confident in myself so I come to feel like it’ll be a ton less difficult to make new buddies. Because, I’m not so worried to discuss to people any more. I’m nervous and energized.” 

A calming impact for Karena all through this time, has been the Make-A-Desire foundation of North Texas. Her wish was a purchasing spree and that would like was granted — $2,500 to devote as she wished, at the Galleria shopping mall in Dallas. 

Sara Roelke, Make-A-Would like North Texas Media Relations Manager, explained “you can find research that demonstrates children who have a desire granted, renew their hope for the future. They’re in a position to go on living lifetime to the fullest.” 

Maggiano’s Little Italy is pleased to aid provide that mission as very well. The restaurant hosted Karena and loved ones for a special supper. The business has also pledged a part of their proceeds from their foods to the Make-A-Wish Foundation….now by late August. Maggiano’s CEO Steve Provost states “we have the most generous company all over. I imagine in excess of 20 a long time, we have lifted in excess of $10 million for Make-A-Want North Texas and other chapters.” 

And as major as a new college calendar year usually is, there is certainly no way to dress up how sizeable it is for Karena. She sacrificed a whole lot to get to this level. And she is aware far more about herself at 16, than some men and women know about by themselves in a lifetime.

She said her fight designed her realize “how clever I was. How potent I was. How numerous people liked me. Who I required to be. I just want to be joyful. That is what I would say about who I am. I just want to be pleased.”