Emma's Story

Emma’s Story

Emma had her 10th Birthday on 26th February, unfortunately for Emma she celebrated it with her family in Crumlin Children’s Hospital. Emma was diagnosed on that day with Idiopathic Aplastic Anaemia (bone marrow failure), this is an extremely rare condition with only approximately 5 people a year diagnosed with it.

Emma now needs a bone marrow transplant, this will take place in The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow in the coming weeks as there are no hospitals in Ireland that do them for children. Emma has three siblings, Evie, Billy & Tommy who were all tested as possible bone marrow donors. Billy, her older brother by 14 months proved to be the best match and he will be travelling to Glasgow to donate when it is needed.

Emma is now walking a tightrope until she gets to Glasgow, any bumps, bleeding, bruises or infections land her back in hospital. This has happened on numerous occasions in the last few weeks. She is back and forth between WRH and Temple Street for bloods and transfusions weekly.

Emma and her mother Edwina will have to spend 3 months minimum in Glasgow. Emma will need chemo and radiation before the transplant, then the actual bone marrow transplant followed by her recovery.

Following this three month stay in Glasgow, Emma then faces a prolonged period of time up to one year where she will be extremely medically complex requiring multiple different medications and prompt treatment of infections.

Emma is a bubbly, extremely kind girl. She always has a big smile on her face, she loves to read, the bit of sparkle and really loves school. She has not been able to attend school or any activities since February and will not be able to do so until 6 months after the transplant.

Emma’s mam Edwina is now her full time carer and is unable to work. This will continue for as long as Emma needs full-time care. The repeated trips to Dublin and unexpected stays are financially taxing on the family i.e. hotel stays and travelling expenses.

This is a family that has had their world turned upside down, a perfectly healthy child suddenly becoming so ill, her big brother suddenly facing the trauma of being her bone marrow donor and the worry faced by her parents watching both of them going through this horrible ordeal.

Money should be the least of their worries in the coming months but with one parent not being able to work it unfortunately will be. Please donate to make this ordeal easier for the family as they give their all to get Emma healthy, back to school and her friends, basically just back to being a child again.

Thanks you