A SIX-year-old boy has received his ‘super cells’ after having a stem cell transplant to fight off cancer.
Oscar Saxelby-Lee received his transplant yesterday (March 13) from his dad, Jamie Lee, who donated his cells to his little boy.
The Hand in Hand for Oscar Facebook page announced the heart-warming news: “May these super cells be the beginning of something special just like you Ozzy Bear. We hope this gift will allow you a brand-new start to good health and end the monstrous ordeals you have been faced with. You will always have us by your side, hoping, praying and fighting for the brighter future you so very much deserve.”
The emotive post continued: “Daddy will always be with you, both inside and out now. How amazing is that. And how utterly amazing are you. You are so so close baby, keep going. Now for the difficult part of growing them and keeping him stable, but he’s got this."
Oscar experienced a few slight implications during the transplant due to a reaction, but his parents have assured he is safe and is doing well.
Oscar has been in Singapore with his parents, Olivia Saxelby and Mr Lee, receiving CAR-T therapy after the community backed their appeal to raise £500,000 to afford the life-saving treatment. This is specialised therapy, which is only available in Singapore, to combat his T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The young Worcester boy underwent a stem cell transplant last May after a search for a donor which saw thousands across the country to sign-up to a register in a bid to help.
The Worcester News previously reported that Oscar's parents were appealing for blood donations because there's a shortage due to less people donating due to the coronavirus. However, an NHS Blood and Transplant spokesman said blood stock levels are good.
The spokesman said: “Our stock levels are good and we don’t believe we’ve seen any effect on appointments. We’re asking donors to keep donating as normal and to follow the latest travel and hygiene advice. Donation help us to keep stocks good so we are well prepared for every eventuality. We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the government, Public Health England and the UK’s other blood donation services. We're putting in place extra measures and safety is always our number one priority.”
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