A Mother’s Cells, A Son’s Fight: Hope for Branson in Rome

Today carries the weight of fear, hope, and unwavering faith all at once. Inside a quiet medical facility in Rome, Italy, Nichole Blevins—a mother from Robertsdale, Alabama—is preparing for a life-changing moment. Doctors will collect what she calls her “mama cells,” immune cells that could become the key to saving her 11-year-old son, Branson, who is battling an aggressive and rare form of T-cell leukemia.

For months, Branson has endured endless hospital stays, painful chemotherapy, and sleepless nights filled with fear and exhaustion. Through it all, he has shown a courage far beyond his years, inspiring everyone who hears his story. Today is not just another day—it’s a turning point in a battle that has defined his young life.

Because Rome is seven hours ahead of Alabama, Nichole began her day while most back home were still asleep. But on days like this, time isn’t measured in hours—it’s measured in prayers whispered, in the pounding of hopeful hearts, and in the belief that a miracle may be within reach.

On the eve of the procedure, Nichole wrote about the emotions weighing on her:

“Tomorrow, I go in for apheresis—the process where they’ll collect my immune cells so they can be reengineered into cancer-fighting cells for Branson. After collection, it will take about three weeks for the scientists to modify and multiply these cells. Once Branson is strong enough, they’ll be infused back into him—to seek out and destroy the leukemia that has already taken so much from our family.”

This therapy is experimental and filled with unknowns. Yet there is reason to hope. For children with B-cell leukemia, similar treatments have produced remission rates above 80%. Nichole clings to that hope for her son, believing that what has worked for others may be Branson’s miracle too.

“Maybe even more than that,” she wrote, “Branson is one of the first children to try this therapy for his subtype of leukemia. His fight could open doors for others—so that kids who are told there’s nothing left might have another chance. We’re not just fighting for Branson. We’re fighting for the ones who will come after him.”

Nichole’s plea was clear and heartfelt:

“Please pray that the collection goes smoothly, that the cells are strong, and that Branson’s body can receive them with protection and healing. It’s overwhelming and terrifying, but it’s also sacred ground. We step into the unknown with faith—and with an army of supporters by our side.”

As her cells are collected in Rome, people around the world stand in solidarity with the Blevins family. This moment is more than science—it’s a mother’s ultimate act of love, giving part of herself to save her child.

Branson’s courage, Nichole and Donald’s devotion, and the love of his siblings have held this family together through storm after storm. Today, their story reminds us of the power of love, the strength of unity, and the hope that refuses to fade, even in the darkest of times.

It’s go time in Rome. Wherever you are, lift the Blevins family in prayer. Their journey is a testament to the miracles that can happen when faith, love, and courage stand together against impossible odds.