Carmani Boozer and Bloom Boozer are the siblings of Duke basketball stars Cameron Boozer and Cayden Boozer, and their stories are closely tied to the family’s journey through sports, health challenges, and life off the court. From a life-saving medical breakthrough to growing up around elite athletes, both siblings play an important role in the Boozer family dynamic. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Cameron & Cayden Boozer’s Brother’s Diagnosis Led to a Life-Changing Family Decision
Carmani was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia shortly after his birth on May 31, 2006, according to ESPN. The inherited blood disorder can cause “fatigue from anemia, infections and severe pain,” per the Cleveland Clinic.
Both parents, former Duke basketball and NBA star Carlos Boozer and CeCe Boozer, carried the sickle cell trait, which increased the likelihood their child would develop the condition. At the time, the family was told there was “no known cure,” prompting CeCe to search for other options.
Through research, she learned that Carmani’s best chance at survival was a bone marrow transplant using stem cells from a sibling. That discovery set the course for what came next.
2. Carmani’s Story Led to Cameron and Cayden Boozer’s Birth
To help save Carmani, Carlos and CeCe turned to in vitro fertilization to conceive a compatible sibling. According to ESPN, 26 eggs were fertilized, with 10 deemed genetically compatible and two confirmed to be free of sickle cell anemia.
Both embryos were implanted, and Cameron and Cayden Boozer were born on July 18, 2007.
Their arrival was directly tied to their older brother’s medical needs, making their bond unique from the very beginning.
Speaking about that connection years later, Carmani said in the ESPN2 documentary “Blood Brothers,“ “They saved my life.”
3. Carmani Boozer Was Declared Cured After a 40-Day Hospital Stay
After the twins were born, Carmani underwent two rounds of chemotherapy to prepare his body for the transplant. The procedure required a 40-day hospital stay, as doctors used stem cells from Cameron and Cayden.
The transplant was ultimately successful, and Carmani was declared cured of sickle cell anemia in May 2008.
Carlos later reflected on that period in an interview with Deseret News.
“You go through the tough times and when things start to get sweet, they’re that much sweeter,” he said. “It’s so much fun right now. My whole family is back together.”
4. Bloom Boozer Is the Youngest Member of the Boozer Family
Bloom is the youngest sibling in the family. She was born in April 2019 to Carlos Boozer and his second wife, Aneshka Smith.
Carlos shared his excitement at the time of her birth.
“Introducing Bloom Boheme Boozer!!!! At 37 Years Old, I Didn’t Know I Could Fall In Love All Over Again… Then Came Bloom… My Beautiful Wife Gave Me Our Gorgeous Angel!!! Filled With So Many Emotions!!!“ Carlos wrote on Instagram at the time. “The Journey For @bloomboheme Being With Us Is A Story Best Told By Her Mom, But Just Know When I Call Her A Blessing, She Is Exactly That!!! And Fellas, She’s Got 3 BEASTY Brothers & One Bad Ass Father To Get Through Before Ya’ll Get A Date!!! FACTS 🤣!!!”
Carlos and Smith have since divorced.
5. Bloom Boozer Shares a Close Bond With Her Family
Bloom has developed a strong relationship with both her father and her older brothers.
In a Father’s Day post, Smith described the bond between Bloom and Carlos.
“The way she lights up seeing her dad makes me kind of jealous sometimes,” she wrote.
Carlos frequently shares moments from their life together, including trips and family celebrations.
Bloom also appears close with her brothers. A post from her Instagram account—which is run by her parents—showed Cayden holding her as a baby with the caption, “Cayden and I.”
Duke’s Cameron & Cayden Boozer’s 2 Siblings, Carmani & Bloom: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know