A REDDITCH family are appealing for more people to donate stem cells, after their daughter was diagnosed with a rare blood condition.
Emilia Mackay was first diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia, a condition which occurs when the body stops producing enough new blood cells, in May of this year.
So far the five-year-old has had to have weekly platelet transfusions and blood transfusions every two weeks since diagnosis
However, these treatments are only short-term solutions, and her doctors have recommended a blood stem cell transplant.
Emilia’s father James Mackay is appealing for more people to donate stem cells as, currently, only three per cent of the eligible population are registered.
The family have been tested and are not a match.
He said: “Every week Emilia has blood and platelet transfusions and has a permanent central venous line to received the treatment
“The transfusions can only be short-term treatment as it is very damaging for anyone to receive so many transfusions – it often leads to severe liver damage.”
James and his wife are trying to remain positive, and are putting all their time into caring for their daughters and campaigning.
He said: “If we are lucky and find a match for Emilia then she has a long painful road ahead.
“She will receive chemotherapy just like a cancer patient in order to kill off her existing stem cells and bone marrow.
“This will mean months in hospital on a children’s oncology ward, as she will have no immune system and be susceptible to infection whilst receiving treatment.
“Once she receives the transplant then it will be another few months in hospital to ensure that the new cells properly integrate and function as they should – effectively regrowing her bone marrow so she can produce blood products herself as any normal child does.”
Not only is James campaigning to help his daughter, he is involved with DKMS, an international charity dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
A crowd-funding campaign has also been set up in a bid to generate £10,000 to cover Emilia’s expenses during her treatment over the next year or so.
Any additional funds not needed for Emilia will be sent to the Grace Kelly Trust, DKMS and the Aplastic Anaemia Trust.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Emilia’s infectious laughter and unwavering spirit have touched the hearts of all who know her.
“We are hoping we can increase the chances of finding a life-saving match, if not for Emilia, then for another person just like her.”
James added: “It’s a tough time for my family, but Emilia is a little fighter.
“She’s your typical little girl, enjoying her dance classes, learning instruments, and spending time with her friends.
“But dancing and drumming are becoming harder for her because of her condition, so we are urgently asking people who can to donate.
Visit dkms.org.uk/get-involved/virtual-drives/emilia-needs-our-help for more information.
And visit gofundme.com/f/emilia-needs-our-help-to-fight-aplastic-anaemia to donate to the fund-raiser.
