Twin Donates Bone Marrow after Aplastic Anemia diagnosis
Garrett has an 8-year-old twin brother, Tanner. Garrett also has Aplastic Anemia. Aplastic Anemia is a rare, serious blood disorder in which the normal production of blood cells - red, white and platelets - slows or stops.
Garrett is lucky to have an identical twin. Few who are diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia have a healthy identical twin that they can turn to for a bone marrow transplant which can develop a new immune system.
Dr. Emad Salman, the youngster’s hematologist/oncologist at The Children’s Hospital at HealthPark in LeeCounty, has cared for thousands of children with blood disorders and cancer.
He said this is a first in his 11 years at the hospital.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a child who needs a bone marrow transplant who has a twin brother who will be the donor,” he said.
In preparation for the transplant Tanner was given iron pills to boost his red blood cell count and Garrett started chemotherapy to wipe out his immune system and be ready to start a new one.
Researchers are fascinated as to why only one of the twins became sick and not the other. Tanner spent a few days in the hospital while they did the blood draw.
“It’s going to suck,” Tanner said.
“Because he has to get poked,” Garrett explained about his brother’s blood draw for his bone marrow. “I get one but I’m going to be asleep. Hah.”
