The search continues for a stem cell donor for a young Tecumseh girl with a rare disease.
Seven-year-old Zoe Dudzianiec has Diamond-Blackfan Anemia. A rare genetic disorder that, in simple terms, means her body doesn’t produce the red blood cells she needs to live.
Seven-year-old Zoe Dudzianiec. (Provided by The Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association)
The search for a donor began in 2018, and over that time at least three possible donors were identified, but deemed not suitable for treatment.
Just 17 months ago, Zoe's brother Milan was born and identified as a match for her. The transplant was scheduled for March, but doctors have now determined he is no longer a candidate.
While Zoe waits for a suitable match for a stem cell transplant, she receives daily chelation therapy and blood transfusions every ten days. The side effects of this treatment includes frequent seizures.
Anyone between the ages of 17 and 35 with a Canadian health card can be swabbed at Canadian Blood Services. However, doctors have told the family that the best hope for a match would be someone of Middle Eastern descent.
There are over 900 Canadians waiting for a stem cell donor match.
