When Santonio Holmes’ first child was born he heard what no parent wants to hear. His son, Santonio ‘T.J.’ Holmes III, was sick. Shortly after birth he was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia. Santonio himself has been dealing with the disease since childhood and still to this day has to deal with some of the effects.

“In the hospital, they kept him under a blue light, and that was difficult,” Holmes said. “Knowing I couldn’t play with him, or touch him, or talk to him, doing all the things you do when you first have a kid.” (www.nytimes.com)

Sickle Cell Anemia is a hereditary blood disease that affects African Americans at a higher rate than other parts of the population. It can cause blood flow blockages that can result in pain, broken bones, and damage to internal organs, and even strokes. Sickle Cell is incurable.

T.J. has been in and out of hospitals ever since. First it was 1 to 2 times a year but when his mom moved to Atlanta, his health took a bad turn. Little T.J.’s visits required morphine to control the pain. He has undergone multiple blood transfusions and a major surgery to have his spleen removed.

“When you hear the news that your son has a disease like this, it’s tough,” Holmes said. “It gives you a whole different perspective on things.” (www.newsday.com)

The average life expectancy 40 years ago was age 10. But today with new medication and intervention it is mid 40s.

“He’s a really brave kid,” the Jets wide receiver said of his oldest son. “He has been through a lot.”

Santonio decided to do his part for his son and other families being affected by this disease. His foundation III and Long Foundation has raised more than $100,000 the past few years towards SCA research. In 2009, Holmes sold his 2009 Super Bowl XLIII gloves for $70,200 and donated the funds to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. He recently held his charity bowling event at Jersey Lanes in Linden, New Jersey to help raise even more money and awareness. The event raised more than $34,000. Santonio’s teammates were more than willing to help; Bart Scott, Coach Rex Ryan, Mark Sanchez, John Conner, Sione Pouha, Brandon Moore, and Muhammad Wilkerson were in attendance.

“You come out to an event like this to support your teammate. A lot of guys have so many things going on, so something like this lets us come together and support a good cause,” said Moore. (www.espn.go.com) 

Santonio stayed after his teammates had left, signing autographs, mingling with fans, and announcing the winners of the raffles and auctions.

“Oh, man, I’ve caught a few crimps in my arms just from bending over and signing autographs,” Holmes said with a laugh. “I think this is one of the few times that a player can really enjoy the opportunity of signing autographs because of what we’re doing it for.”

“It’s a blessing for myself,” said Holmes. “The fans never get a chance to see us other than on TV, so this gave them a chance to bowl, laugh and come out to support the cause. It’s a tremendous thing.”(www.espn.go.com)

T.J. was also there with his dad and friends having a good time like he should. Holmes talks to T.J. several times a week. There are good days and there are bad.

“My dad, he’s my best friend,” says 9-yr old T.J. “He understands me and he tells me to be brave. And I am.”