A BROMGROVE teenager who has been battling leukaemia has been handed a lifeline as he received his ‘quiet miracle’ stem cell transplant.
After months looking for a match, Leo Sproson, aged 16, received three bags of stem cells last Wednesday and a further bag the day after, before starting chemotherapy on Friday.
His loved ones thought they had received the best Christmas present ever after a stem cell match was discovered in the UK.
However, this transplant, which was a 10/12 match, was delayed due to the donor needing further tests, and as Leo couldn’t wait, his family were left desperately trying to find a suitable enough match.
But earlier this month, his family had a call from the hospital, and Leo’s 10/12 unrelated match was cleared and ready to go.
A statement released by Leo’s mum, Jenna, said: “After everything Leo has endured – the diagnosis that shattered our world, the chemo, the fear in the middle of the night, the sleepless nights, the moments we tried to be strong when we felt anything but, we were standing watching a quiet miracle happen.
“It looks so simple – a bag, a line, a drip, but to us, it is everything.
“Those tiny cells carry hope for the life we refuse to stop believing in, future birthdays, ordinary mornings, laughter filling our home again, even arguments.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the donor who gave this gift, for the doctors and nurses who have carried him this far, and for the strength our boy has shown through something no child should ever have to face.
“We all really hope that one day we will have the opportunity to meet you.
“It wasn’t just a medical procedure; it was the moment we dared to believe in his future again.”
He will be in the hospital until May 25, meaning he won’t be home in time for his birthday on March 25.
Leo’s family now want to collect letters and cards for Leo to read when he comes out of the hospital.
Send a letter or card to Leo by addressing it to Leo’s Army, PO Box 18935, Bromsgrove, B60 9LF.
