FORT WORTH, Texas — Tarrant County College freshman Cristian Navarette received a $5,000 grant in August from Make-A-Wish to further his education. It came as both a surprise and a reward — something positive emerging from a circumstance that could have taken his life.
Imagine being in high school and dreaming of becoming a physician. You’re taking several Advanced Placement classes preparing for college when the unthinkable happens. You become seriously ill.
Cristian Navarette and his family had no idea what was wrong.
Initially, doctors thought he had lupus. Finally, he received the correct diagnosis — hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening illness if left untreated.
His immune system was targeting his body instead of a foreign invader such as a virus.
“My stem cells were attacking each other,” he said.
Cristian’s dreams of becoming a doctor would have to wait.
He said one of the worst parts of fighting the HLH was the muscle wasting due to the multiple biopsies he endured. Treatments typically include chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Ultimately, a bone marrow transplant might be needed.
Cristian did have a transplant, with his younger brother as the donor. The results were good, and in January 2022 he was considered stable. He follows up annually with his medical team.
Once again, Cristian could visualize a future as a physician. Now the folks at Make-A-Wish can see it, too.
He applied for the grant after learning about it from his physician at Cook Children’s Medical Center.
“Our goal at Make-A-Wish is to grant transformational wishes. For Cristian to choose a wish to help him achieve his lifelong dream is an honor for us,” said Jennifer Maturino, program director for Make-A-Wish North Texas. “I can’t wait to hear of the amazing things he will do.”
Throughout this ordeal, Cristian’s parents have found purpose in their son’s illness and treatment. They say it confirmed he was on the right path to becoming a physician someday.
Cristian agrees. He knows he can draw on that experience in the future when relating to his patients.
Even today, for anyone struggling, he offers encouragement.
“Don’t ever give up. Through all hardship, there will be better times.”
Tarrant County College Foundation (TCCF): Investing in the Success of TCC Students (tccd.edu)
Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online classes, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.