During a routine inspection in two years, the family of Devon received the news every parent dreads; that their child is sick.
When the doctor listened to the heart of Devon, it was clear that something is wrong. After a series of tests, the results were taken to McMaster Children's Hospital for analysis. Because of its very low number of platelets, Devon was in need of a transfusion of platelets.
The doctors feared that Devon could face leukemia (blood cancer) or aplastic anemia. However, after a bone marrow biopsy to determine what was going on with his blood, Devon was finally diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. - A syndrome that results in a more active bone marrow produces abnormal cells that are destroyed before entering the bloodstream
With no cure available, physicians and family knew that Devon 'there was of course the action; a stem cell transplant from a compatible donor. While looking for a match, Devon had to have weekly platelet and blood cell transfusions to maintain an adequate blood supply in the body.
Devon's family sought a bone marrow donor or cord blood unit, but didn 't find a match. With a baby on the way and at the suggestion of their doctor, Devon's family began looking in the family cord blood banks. Miraculously, when the sister of Devon, Ellison was born, she proved to be a match 9/10. Ellison cord blood was banked and used in transplants to treat Devon.
There was a long road to recovery, but now Devon is doing much! He had his post transplant three-year check up (it goes every six months) and after four years, it continues a maintenance program.
The family of Devon recently welcomed their third child, and (obviously) banked her cord blood with Insception Lifebank.
The cord blood options and cord tissue are more and more every day. Learn more about current treatments and new research.