MCCANDLESS, Pa. — After months of searching, a bone marrow donor has been found for a McCandless baby who is battling a rare genetic condition.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Family searching for bone marrow donor for McCandless baby battling rare genetic condition
Clementine is one of ten people who have been diagnosed with the condition, which is a rare gene mutation to her TLR8 gene.
A bone marrow transplant is expected to greatly improve her outlook and condition.
The family announced the news Monday night on Facebook.
“We prayed, had a vicious search, people all over the world have been searching for Clementine’s match and we are so grateful for that,” said Tanner Neely-Blackham, Clementine’s mom.
Clementine and her family are leaving for St. Louis this weekend so she can begin treatment. She will need chemotherapy and many tests before receiving the bone marrow transplant.
Clementine has already had two major surgeries and 16 blood transfusions. Her mom said they are so thankful because Clementine has been getting sicker.
“Her liver is becoming enlarged and her spine. She’s been battling a lot of infections. She’s on a lot of medicine and it happened pretty quickly,” said Neely-Blackham.
Clementine’s parents thank the community for all their support.
“There are so many other kids in our community and around the world who are in desperate need of a transplant and we feel like it’s our job to make sure that we continue searching for all the other kids,” said Neely-Blackham.
Clementine still has a long road ahead, but her mom has this message for the donor thanking them for saving her little girl’s life.
“I think our biggest thing is thank you. You have literally changed not just her world but our whole world because of you we get to see her go to school, walk her first steps she’ll make it to her first birthday,” said Neely-Blackham.
Clementine will start chemotherapy on July 24. Her bone marrow transplant is scheduled for Aug. 3.
She will celebrate her first birthday in the hospital on Aug. 26.
Once Clementine receives the transplant in August, she will stay in the hospital for 100 days. Then she will be in St. Louis for an extra three to six months for follow-ups. If everything goes well, the family will move back to McCandless.
If you’d like to learn more about becoming a bone marrow donor, click here.
If you’d like to donate to the Blackham family, click here.
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