Andrew Suresh comes to twin sister Anjali’s rescue with transplant

ANDREW Suresh is just 6, but already he’s a lifesaver after a rare abnormality in his sister’s immune system saw a simple glandular fever turn lethal.

Six-year-old twins share bone marrow.

ANDREW Suresh is just 6, but already he’s a lifesaver and his twin sister’s hero.

Last year, he was told Anjali was dying, her life fast slipping away after a rare abnormality in her immune system saw a simple glandular fever turn lethal.

But Andrew was a perfect match for a bone-marrow transplant.

So he mustered all his courage and told his Dad: “I need to do this to save my sister’s life.’’

Anjali had been rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital last year with a high fever, liver failure and extreme fatigue, her little body covered in bruises as her blood platelets came under attack.

Doctors feared if a compatible match wasn’t found within the family’s immediate circle, a wider search of the donor registry may prove too late.

“She was basically dying from this virus. We didn’t have much time,’’ recalled Dr Francoise Mechinaud, head of the RCH transplant program.

“It was very scary. They were lucky Andrew was compatible.’’

Siblings only have a 30 per cent chance of bone marrow donor compatibility.

Andrew was required to fast before a two-hour operation, under general anaesthetic, in which bone marrow was harvested from his hip.

Dr Mechinaud said it would have been more frightening than painful.

“These little ones are absolutely healthy and we ask them to go into surgery ... that’s a significant thing,’’ she said.

“I think it’s an amazing gift that has to be recognised.’’

The twins’ father, Suresh Ramani, said Andrew remained by his sister’s side during her hospital stay, visiting her after school as she recovered.

“We are very proud,’’ he said.

A year on, the pair are back to play-fighting like typical siblings, and Anjali has an active, normal life.

Andrew has been nominated for a Pride of Australia award.

There’s only six days until nominations close on July 29, so go to heraldsun.com.au/prideofaustralia