Addison Kemp and her family have announced a matching UK-based bone marrow donor after a couple of months on an international waiting list.
Addison, 5, was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia in March after her parents noticed unusual bruising and took her to the doctor, before she was admitted to the Children’s Hospital Queensland.
Her mother Bianca said that now a match had been found, Addison would begin preparation, including a conditioning stage on July 5.
“We’ll start seven days of chemotherapy and various treatments to eradicate all her bone marrow and anything that might fight against the new marrow,” Ms Kemp said.
“On the final day of treatment, the donor in the UK will have their bone marrow extracted and flown directly to Brisbane.”
Ms Kemp said she was relieved at how efficiently the international donation process worked.
“Sometimes they fly the donor here or send medical personnel there to manage the extraction,” she said.
“Addison will have a rest day on the eighth, and on the ninth day, July 14, she will receive the bone marrow.
“They’ve been cross- matching the donor’s blood with Addison’s to ensure compatibility. The day before her transfusion, Addison will undergo another test to confirm everything is correct.
“Given how critical timing is, I’m nervous about the donor staying healthy and everything going smoothly.
“The marrow must be as fresh as possible when given to Addison. I’d prefer if the donor could give it directly, but the process ensures it arrives quickly and safely.”
This National Blood Donor Week, the Kemp family and Lifeblood Australia hosted a blood drive in Capalaba.
“While the focus has been on finding a bone marrow match, it’s the blood and platelets that have kept Addison alive so far,” Ms Kemp said.
“Even after the transplant, she’ll need blood and platelets regularly as her body recovers. It’s vital, especially given the recent low blood donation levels.”
Ms Kemp reported a great amount of support and donors at the Blood Drive.
“It’s heartwarming to see such support for Addison and other children in need,” she said.
Facing ongoing treatment, the Go Fund Me page for the Kemp family remains active, and new Facebook and TikTok pages have been created to share Addison’s journey.
Ms Kemp said the TikTok page would keep Addison active during the next months as she awaited the transfusion.
