Khloé Kardashian has extended her heart and home to become the primary caretaker of Amari Thompson-the, the younger brother of her ex-boyfriend, Tristan Thompson. Amari has epilepsy, along with other disabilities, and needs round-the-clock care. As Tristan frequently travels for the NBA, he can't always be there for his brother, so Khloé stepped in to ensure that all of Amari's needs are met.
On her latest episode of Khloé In Wonder Land on July 30, the reality star and mother of two opened up about her role. Caring for a special needs individual is no easy task, but Khloé doesn't think of the negativity when helping out Amari, as he's a family member and is valued greatly. For that, I give her all the credit, as it takes a special kind of person to do so.
"For those who don't know, Tristan has a younger brother who is 18 years old, and he is severely disabled. Amari has LGS [or] Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, which is a form of epilepsy, and he is disabled. He can't walk or talk. He's never been able to talk," Khloé says.
In 2023, Tristan and Amari's mother, Andrea Thompson, passed away suddenly from cardiac arret. She was Amari's main caregiver, so when she passed, there was never a hesitation about who will take care of her son, as Tristan and Khloé "took over" the role, as family should in situations such as this. That is, if their own health will allow it.
Khloé even helped Andrea connect with the right doctors and receive the medical necessities that Amari needed when she was still alive. And just because she is no longer involved with Tristan, it didn't deflect her commitment to Amari or Andrea. It's just who Khloé is as an individual, and she would never leave anyone behind, despite her relationship status.
"People are always like, 'Why did I do that? [Tristan and I] aren't together, so why would I take on helping with Amari? When I met Tristan and his family, nine, almost ten years ago, which is crazy. When I met them, Andrea, Tristan’s mom, and I became such good friends.”
"I would help {Andrea} with Amari medically. She would have questions. She would need connections to certain doctors, and I would help with that. So, I was very much involved in all of his medical appointments when Andrea was here.”
The Khloud Foods founder also explained why her commitments to Andrea and Amari remain strong. She reiterated that her past romantic relationship with Tristan doesn't influence her role as a caretaker to Amari, as he deserves so much in his life. With Khloé, she's able to provide everything he needs.
"I still have this family that I've spent so many years with, that I have such connections with that, my relationship with Andrea has nothing to do with Tristan, and my commitment to her has nothing to do with Tristan, and Amari deserves someone who will be there for him, take care of him, provide a great lifestyle for him and so Amari deserves my love and care, regardless of where me and Tristan stand."""
Khloé even highlighted that it wouldn't be advisable for Amari to travel via air, as his disabilities would only make it worse. Tristan frequently travels, as he's an NBA player and plays several games within a few days. Given the severity of his conditions, it'd be impossible for young Amari. Besides, living in Los Angeles would be the best option, as it offers everything one needs, and doctors can be easily accessed.
"Tristan is in the NBA, and he is in a different state literally every other day or every few days, and it's just not conducive for Amari to be on that many planes," she says. Amari has a handful of seizures a day with the type of epilepsy that he has. So, Amari stays in LA with me, and I have chosen to take care of him and be there for him, because it's not good that he travels."
Khloé Kardashian says that Amairi Thompson loves his family
While Amari can't speak, he communicates with facial expressions. Through them, he has plenty to say, with many of the expressions directed at his large family. Speaking of which, Khloé shares that it's imperative for her two kids, True and Tatum Thompson, as well as her nieces and nephews, to learn that there are all kinds of people, and regardless of who they are or what condition they may have, compassion is a must.
“I think it's so important for my kids, my nieces and nephews, to be exposed to all different types of people in the world. I think it teaches everyone compassion [and] understanding. It opens up their minds to seeing, 'Wow, Amari is disabled, sure, but he's also just like us at the same time.”
Moreover, Amari's love is radiating and can be felt by everyone who comes into his life. Although he's only 19 (he had his birthday on July 27), he has went through a lot, and Khloé is beyong the moon to be a part of his life in hers.
“I love seeing how Amari lights up when he's around the kids. He can't verbally talk, but if you know him well enough, he can definitely express himself, and you see the glimmer in his eyes. And he's just such an amazing, amazing young man. I'm so proud and honored that I have Amari in my life."
Khloé In Wonder Land drops new episodes on Wednesdays via X, formerly Twitter.