Pushing Through to the Finish Line

Runner Keeps Going After Rare Medical Diagnosis

“I'm not on any kind of treatment for it because the only medication is a steroid that boosts my blood levels,” Sarnell said. “I only need it if I get really sick and have to have it.”

Neutrophils are white blood cells that play a role in inflammation and fighting infection. Doctors estimate that the average person has at least 2,500 neutrophils per microliter of blood. Someone with Cyclic Neutropenia like Sarnell only has roughly 200 neutrophils per microliter of blood during his episodes.

“Neutrophils are the first white blood cell to fight the sicknesses that I get, so I get sick more often because it's harder for my body to fight diseases,” Sarnell said.

Even though Cyclic Neutropenia can be limiting for Sarnell at times, it does not slow him down. He is involved in multiple activities, like varsity cross country and track and field. The disorder does not affect him much during his running because his episodes happen every few weeks, but it could become difficult because breathing would be very hard and painful. Sarnell also enjoyed math and engineering, which he planned to have a successful career in after school.//

Writen by Braden Kurbin