THE parents of a five-year-old girl suffering a rare blood disorder have launched a global appeal for a stem cell donor.
Emilia Mackay has aplastic anaemia, which means her bone marrow does not make enough blood cells, leaving her at risk of infections.
‘The best way of treating the illness is for Emilia to receive a stem cell/bone marrow transplant from someone who is a suitable match,’ says her dad JamesSWNS
So far 598 people have signed up to databases as potential donors.
Dad James, 38, a car salesman, from Redditch, Worcs, said: “Every week Emilia must undergo transfusions which leave scars from the needles.
“They can only be short-term treatment as it’s very damaging for anyone to receive so many — it often leads to severe liver damage.
“Emilia is receiving some great treatment, but this will only help sustain in the short term.
“We are greatly appreciative of anyone who is willing to be tested.
“The best way of treating the illness is for Emilia to receive a stem cell/bone marrow transplant from someone who is a suitable match.
Emilia is on both the NHS database and the DKMS database of bone marrow donors worldwide to increase her chance of finding a match.
To support the family visit www.gofundme.com/f/emilia-needs-our-help-to-fight-aplastic-anaemia.