A Redcar youngster, James Wanless, 12, is on the road to recovery after receiving a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his big sister, Kia, 17. James battled a rare blood disorder called aplastic anemia for a year, during which he had to isolate himself from potential infections. Thanks to his sister’s donation and his participation in a new drug trial, James is now looking forward to a brighter future.
James’s mother, Donna Bunting, expressed her pride in both James and Kia and hopes to raise awareness about the illness that nearly took her son’s life. In December last year, James began feeling unwell and his skin appeared yellowish. Donna contacted 111, who scheduled a doctor’s appointment. However, when James collapsed, he was rushed to James Cook University Hospital. Shockingly, the hospital staff couldn’t treat James there and he had to be transferred to the RVI in Newcastle. Donna recalls the moment, saying, I knew then that there was something seriously wrong with him, and the consultants were there to meet me at the RVI.
At the RVI, James was put in isolation, and the medical team started intensive treatments, including chemotherapy. Aplastic anemia causes a deficiency of all blood cell types, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In April, it was determined that James needed a full bone marrow transplant. Fortunately, Kia was a match and underwent the procedure to donate the tissue.
Donna shared, He was doing really well and even rang the hospital bell in June to signal the end of treatment. However, their relief was short-lived as James contracted Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that affects the body’s small blood vessels and started attacking his kidneys.
Luckily, James was accepted into a new drug trial, and his condition gradually improved. Donna expressed her gratitude, saying, We have been in isolation for just over a year now but are now hoping to come out of it. This time last year, I knew he was poorly, but I didn’t know what was ahead of us for a full year.
Throughout this challenging journey, Donna found solace in the incredible care provided by the staff at the RVI. She described them as absolutely amazing and emphasized her appreciation for their tireless efforts to save her child’s life.
James is currently in remission from the illness but will require regular monitoring. While he hopes to start going out soon, he will continue to be homeschooled until his immune system strengthens.
This heartwarming story highlights the power of familial love and the advances in medical treatments that offer hope to families facing difficult times. James’s journey serves as a reminder of the incredible bravery and resilience shown by young patients and their families in the face of life-threatening illnesses.
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