In the world of assisted reproductive technology, few stories capture the heart like that of the Boozer family. Former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer and his ex-wife CeCe faced a devastating diagnosis when their firstborn son, Carmani, was found to have sickle cell anemia in utero. Determined to save him, the couple turned to IVF combined with PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) — a journey that ultimately brought the world Duke University basketball stars, fraternal twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer.
This real-life miracle highlights the hope that modern fertility options provide. While the Boozers carried the pregnancy themselves, many families today rely on trusted agencies like Conceptual Options to navigate similar paths through surrogacy and egg donation when medical challenges arise.
The Boozer Family’s Journey
Carlos Boozer, a two-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, and CeCe, a former Division I volleyball player and successful entrepreneur, met at Duke University. Married in 2002, they welcomed Carmani in 2006. When doctors discovered his sickle cell disease — a genetic blood disorder both parents carried — their world shifted.
The best chance for a cure was a bone marrow transplant using stem cells from a perfectly matched sibling. CeCe underwent IVF, where multiple eggs were retrieved and fertilized. Through PGD, embryos were screened to ensure they were free of the sickle cell gene and a strong genetic match for Carmani. Of the viable embryos, two were transferred, resulting in the birth of healthy fraternal twins Cameron and Cayden on July 18, 2007.
The twins’ umbilical cord blood stem cells successfully treated Carmani, saving his life. Today, Cameron (#12) and Cayden (#2) are thriving as Blue Devils at Duke, following in their father’s basketball footsteps. The family’s story, featured in ESPN’s E60 “Blood Brothers,” shows the emotional toll — CeCe spent 40 days in the hospital — and the unbreakable bond of love that drove every decision.
How Conceptual Options Supports Similar Families
Since 1999, Conceptual Options has been a leading Surrogacy and Egg Donation agency, helping thousands of Intended Parents build families when biology presents obstacles. Whether facing infertility, genetic risks like sickle cell, or other challenges, Conceptual Options offers:
- Personalized matching with carefully screened Surrogates and Egg Donors
- Coordination with top IVF clinics for PGD and embryo screening
- Full legal, medical, and emotional support throughout the journey
- Compassionate guidance for complex family-building needs
For families like the Boozers — or those who need a gestational carrier due to health risks — agencies like Conceptual Options provide the expertise to turn hope into reality safely and ethically.
The Boozer twins are living proof that science, determination, and love can create extraordinary outcomes. Their story reminds us that every family’s path is unique, and with the right support, dreams of healthy children can come true.
If your family is exploring IVF, PGD, surrogacy, or egg donation reach out to Conceptual Options to learn how they can support your journey toward parenthood. Ready to start your journey? Visit conceptualoptions.com to apply and discover how surrogacy and egg donation can help create the family you’ve always envisioned. Conceptual Options is here to guide you with warmth, expertise, and genuine excitement. Reach out today—the adventure of a lifetime could be closer than you think! Head to www.conceptualoptions.com or reach out to their team today by calling 858-748-4222.
