Robina family’s joy as little boy thrives one year after lifesaving transplant
When doctors couldn't find a bone marrow match among thousands worldwide, a Gold Coast toddler’s big brother became his miraculous lifeline.
When doctors couldn't find a bone marrow match among thousands worldwide, a Gold Coast toddler’s big brother became his miraculous lifeline.
Mum Sheryl, dad Cameron, brother Archie and little William Scott went through hell and back after discovering William had Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome.
Born with the life-threatening illness, little William, now four, lived with visible internal and external bleeding daily.
Forced to endure gruelling tests from birth, he was subjected to constant hospital visits, transfusions and a life without play as the tiniest bump could prove catastrophic.
William survived and is now thriving, learning to swim, ride a bike and is ready to take on prep next year.
And it’s all thanks to his brave big brother Archie, now 10, and his 100 per cent bone marrow compatibility.
“We are so lucky that we have Archie,” Mrs Scott said.
“Among hundreds and thousands of people in the registry all around the world, there wasn’t a single match for William, and both Cameron and I were only a 25 per cent match.”
At three years old William underwent a bone-marrow transplant at the Brisbane Children’s Hospital.
His family had unsuccessfully tried to manage his condition with medication, and he’d only worsened since his diagnosis in November 2022.
“We were scared,” Mrs Scott said.
“It’s a major treatment and there was no guarantee it would work – but we had no choice.”
The process wasn’t without challenges.
“That time in the hospital was really hard,” she said.
“In order to have the bone marrow transplant, they have to remove your old marrow using chemotherapy. During that time you sit there questioning your choice the whole time. He was really sick, and there was nothing you could do. You just have to trust the process.”
In order to donate, big brother Archie underwent surgery and general anaesthesia as a doctor collected stem cells from his hip bone.
The process took two hours and the harvested stem cells were sent to be processed before they were ready to be given to William.
Mrs Scott said in the weeks following the transplant, the family were flooded with excitement watching William’s blood count go up.
“You get so excited,” she said.
“You go, ‘oh my god, this is it, it’s working.’”
Twelve months on and mum said he’s doing “incredible.”
“He’s living life now,” Mrs Scott said.
“Now he’s going to start prep, he’s doing swimming lessons, he’s learning to ride a bike – and his platelet count is amazing.”
The Robina mum said she urges anyone to consider registering as a bone marrow donor.
“We’re the lucky ones,” she said.
“There’s families still waiting for a match – and some people wait until the family member sadly passes away. Even those who choose to donate blood – William was saved by so many who kindly donated their blood. They are true lifesavers.”
Mrs Scott said she will never forget the kindness from those lifesavers, and the doctors and nurses who helped save her little boy’s life.
“People from overseas undergoing this treatment – it would cost them more than $1m,” she said.
“We are so grateful to be Australian citizens, we are so grateful for Medicare and we are so grateful for the Queensland Children’s Hospital, Gold Coast University Hospital and all the doctors, nurses and specialists.”
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Originally published as Robina family’s joy as little boy thrives one year after lifesaving transplant
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