Myelodysplasia: Adeline’s story

Adeline is only 3 years old and suffers from an extremely rare form of blood cancer, which affects only one in 250,000 children, called myelodysplasia. Since she was diagnosed with the disease, the toddler receives weekly blood transfusions to keep her alive.

Myelodysplasia (MDS) prevents red blood cells that are not yet fully formed from maturing. Immature red blood cells “invade” the bone marrow, pushing out the mature red blood cells. In this way, the body finds itself with a lack of healthy blood cells, which causes infections, breathing difficulties and bleeding.

MDS patients are usually treated with blood transfusions, antibiotics and growth factors to keep their condition stable. Sometimes chemotherapy is necessary, especially in cases at risk of acute myeloid leukaemia.

For Adeline, a hope comes from the United States, where a compatible stem cell transplant donor has been found. The doctors will take stem cells that form healthy blood cells from the donor and transplant them into the child. Stem cell transplantation will help to restore Adeline’s body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.

Stem cells have unique characteristics of regenerating, repairing and restoring body tissue damaged by trauma or disease. Your baby’s umbilical cord is an invaluable source of stem cells, 100% compatible with your child. Find out how to preserve them with Nescens Swiss Stem Cell Science by contacting us here.