Sickle Cell Couldn’t Stop Him, Carlos Aims to Heal Others

In 2007, when he was four years old, Carlos Beardall Jr was diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia. The diagnosis was confirmed after many visits to hospitals in Belize and Mexico.

His mother, Anna Salazar, told News 5, “It was a terrible journey; I was financially, emotionally, and mentally drained… watching my son in critical condition on many occasions, fighting to stay alive, and not even knowing where the funds would come from to deal with medical bills.”

Year after year, Carlos endured hospital stays that stretched from days to weeks and sometimes even a month at a time.

Salazar recalls one heartbreaking moment when Carlos, feeling defeated, asked, “Why can’t I live a normal life?” Struggling to find the right words, she turned to prayer, believing that if she couldn’t help him, God would send someone who could.

Despite constantly being sick and numerous absences, Carlos excelled in school, ranking in the top three of both his preschool and primary school classes. As he neared the end of primary school, he applied for a BTL scholarship to attend high school. During his interview, Carlos shared his dream of becoming a doctor so he could help others facing illnesses like his own. “My heart melted, and tears began to stream down my face, because I was present at that part of the interview,” Salazar said.

He was awarded the scholarship and attended Our Lady of Guadalupe RC High School in Belmopan, where he again graduated in the top three, despite having over 60 absences in his final year. He signed up for 10 CXCs but only took 9 because “the day when he was to take the final one, he ended up in the hospital.” Carlos was successful in all 9 examinations, including chemistry, biology and physics, according to his mother.

His determination wasn’t limited to academics. In high school, he joined the national softball team.

Carlos was then accepted to attend the University of Belize, where he earned an associate degree in biochemistry with top marks. He also played for the university’s softball team, the Black Jaguars. According to Salazar, Carlos never missed a game despite his health struggles.

Now at 22 years old, Carlos is set to receive his bachelor’s in biology (with honours) on Saturday. He has been accepted into the University of Belize School of Medicine as a member of the Class of 2030. 

Salazar, a single mother of four, says the journey has been difficult but deeply rewarding. Her biggest challenge now is financial. Between medical bills and school expenses, she struggles to keep up. Still, she says she shows up for Carlos, whether he’s playing a game or being rushed to the hospital. According to Salazar, she has met many mothers in similar situations and always encourages them to keep fighting.

“My son made me a stronger person,” she said, hoping that by sharing Carlos’s story, he might receive further assistance to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.