It's the gift that keeps on giving, and this year's MACC Star ornament is out of this world. This year's artist loves science and astronomy.
The Reese family loves spending time together. The boys, Cameron and Chris, enjoy playing basketball, coloring, and singing. But in addition to the fun, there have been some scary times for 10-year-old Chris.
He has sickle cell disease, a blood disorder that is inherited from parents who carry the trait.
In July of 2010, Chris' mom, Yolanda, went to pick up Chris from daycare. His caretakers told her he wasn't himself that day. "He was saying the same words over and over. He had slurred speech and just was really not, you know, himself," said Yolanda.
Chris was showing signs of stroke, but doctors later learned it was actually a seizure. He started taking medicine for a seizure disorder and was able to go home within a few days. Since then he's had a few issues with pain.
"We believe he has a real high pain tolerance so as he gets older it's just a lifestyle for him," said Chris' dad, Troy.
Routine treatment and therapies help Chris manage his condition. These days he is healthy, happy, and funny. "I am 10-years-old. Can you believe it?! I'm in fifth grade."
When he was asked to design this year's MACC Star, big brother Cameron said Chris went right to it. "He picked science and that's his favorite thing in the world."
Chris hopes his star will help a world of children who are dealing with diseases just like his.
"Cures will change the universe," he said.
The 2015 MACC Star Ornament is available at all Balistreri Sendik's Food Markets and Buddy Squirrel Nut Shops. Proceeds benefit the MACC Fund.
