Sister becomes stem cell donor to help give brother new lease of life in complex bone marrow transplant

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

This Raksha Bandhan was more than just a celebration of sibling love because it became a symbol of life, sacrifice, and hope for two children in Mumbai. In the quiet corners of the hospital's paediatric ward, a young girl gently tied a rakhi on her 11-year-old brother's wrist - not just as a ceremonial gesture, but as a tribute to the life she helped save.

Diagnosed with a rare and severe condition called Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), the young boy had spent much of his childhood battling infections, undergoing painful treatments, and living under the constant threat of complications. His lungs were severely damaged, and he was dependent on monthly immunoglobulin infusions just to survive.

The boy's only hope for a cure was a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), which is a complex and high-risk procedure. In what the family considers divine intervention, the boy's sister turned out to be a perfect 100 per cent HLA match - an extremely rare occurrence. Displaying courage beyond her years, she became the stem cell donor for her brother and unknowingly embodying the true essence of Raksha Bandhan - love, safeguarding and selfless giving.

The boy underwent a challenging BMT journey at Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital in Mahalaxmi under the guidance of Dr Chintan Vyas, senior consultant Paediatric Oncology, Haemato-Oncology & BMT and his multidisciplinary team at the hospital. The case was medically complex due to previous infections and lung damage, and emotionally intense as the patient was being raised by a single mother. Despite financial hardships, the hospital, with the help of social workers and donors, ensured the family received full support for the procedure.

Owing to meticulous pre-transplant planning, infection management, and collaborative input from pulmonology experts, the transplant was carried out smoothly. The patient required no ICU stay, experienced no major complications, and was discharged in a healthier, infection-free state within weeks. Six months post-transplant, the boy has been weaned off immunoglobulin therapy, his lungs have significantly recovered, and he is thriving - studying, playing, and living like any other child his age.

"This is more than a clinical success," said Dr Vyas. "It's a story of unmatched and inspiring resilience - a young boy fighting a life-threatening disorder, a single mother overcoming financial struggles, and a sister's selfless gift. It's a reminder that with timely care and support, even rare and severe disorders like CVID can be cured through BMT."

Dr. Zubin Pereira, facility director at hospital added, "This case exemplifies the power of multidisciplinary care, cutting-edge medical treatment, and above all, family commitment. It showcases what's possible when determination meets medical excellence. We're proud to have played a part in giving this young boy a second chance at life."

This Raksha Bandhan, the rakhi on his wrist wasn't just a thread of love - it was a symbol of survival, courage, and a future once thought impossible.