A TODDLER’s baby brother could be his lifesaver after his parents harvested stem cells from his umbilical cord to potentially treat him for cancer.
Three-year-old Nathan Shorey was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in May 2010 and though he is responding well to treatment there is a possibility his condition could deteriorate in the future, in which case his main chance of survival would be a stem cell transplant.
His parents Melanie, 34, and Michael, 36, hope that if Nathan’s condition does relapse he can be treated and saved by the stem cells from his younger brother Samuel’s umbilical cord.
The stem cells from 17-week-old Samuel have been tested and are a match. They are frozen in storage ready to be used if they are required as a lifeline for Nathan in the future.
Mrs Shorey, an admin clerk from Ellington, Northumberland, said: “When we were told Nathan had leukaemia, it was devastating.
“As soon as you hear the word leukaemia, you fear the worst.
“Nathan is currently doing well and I do try to remain positive, but there is the worry in the back of my mind that his condition could relapse.
“Samuel’s stem cells have been tested and are a match for Nathan so can be used if needed.”
Mrs Shorey said she was delighted to have another baby and Samuel was a great addition to the family.
The mother-of-four said: “Nathan absolutely adores Samuel and there is a special bond between them.
“The chance of Nathan relapsing is thought to be low, but when I found out that stem cells could be taken from the umbilical cord I felt it was the right thing to do.”
Nathan was taken to Wansbeck General Hospital after his mother noticed a rash on his thighs and arms.
He had a blood test and stayed overnight before being transferred to North Tyneside General Hospital where he was diagnosed with leukaemia.
For the first six months after his diagnosis, the Ellington First School nursery pupil was in hospital for the majority of the time.
However, he is now doing well and has 19 months of maintenance chemotherapy remaining at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.
Great story on how saving your baby's cord blood is not just a potentially life-saving decision for your child but for the WHOLE FAMILY. Siblings and relatives have significantly higher chances of being a matching donor than from a public registry the majority of the time. If you weren't aware of the potential in cord blood stem cells with your first child, you can still take every step in potentially securing their future medical well-being by banking with your next. Saving Baby's Cord Blood Saves Lives.............MrCordBlood
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