Austin Jackson is counting his ble sings after he returned to practice at USC on Friday.The rising junior left tackle had bone marrow extracted from his lower Wayne Gallman Jersey back a month earlier to save his younger sister's life.Jackson's sister Autumn suffers fromDiamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA), anextremely rare genetic disorder that affects just 3,000 people worldwide. While blood transfusions have kept Autumn alive for the past five years, her body started to fail and she needed a bone marrow transplant.Austin happened to be a perfect match.It was a godsend, Jackson . There are 12 criteria through blood that you match. I matched all 12.Jackson said there was no question he was going to donate his marrow to Autumn, but he needed to notify USC coach Clay Helton, who was Phil McConkey Jersey completely on board.Football is just a game, he said, adding that Jackson matching his sister wasa Antoine Bethea Jersey ble sing from God.Doctors extracted the marrow from Austin's lower back in three spots and completed the 3 1/2 hour procedure. It left Austin immobile for a week and the family waiting to see if Autumn's body accepted the transplant.You dont know whats going to happen after, Jackson said. It was pretty emotional. Were not a big crying family, so there wasnt a whole lot of that.Despite the painful procedure for both Austin and Autumn, it was a succe s. Autumn was able to return home Phil Simms Jersey one month early and Austin was able to return to USC.Shes a fighter, Jackson said. Shes really tough.Autumn still has a long way to go she's undergoing chemotherapy and might need more treatments.But Jackson said he feels OK returning to the Trojans and focusing on football after he did everything he could to save his sister.I had to come back out here and start my life back up, Jackson said. Thats my focus now. My family told me to trust that my sister is going to be OK. Theyre going to take care of her.Im going to hold down the left side. Aldrick Rosas Jersey Related Articles