We are all looking forward to seeing Alara’s health restored

We are all looking forward to seeing Alara’s health restored

6 January 2016

A DOWNPATRICK woman who organised a series of events as part of a major public campaign to help keep her seven year-old niece alive is looking forward to a very happy 2016.

Last month, Ann Graham raised over £5,000 for Blood Cancer which has been trying to find a blood stem donor for young Alara Basturk who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Alara was diagnosed three years ago and went into remission after being treated with chemotherapy. She suffered a relapse in the summer and her parents were told she needed a bone marrow donation to survive and was facing a fresh round of chemotherapy.

But just days before Christmas, Alara’s family was informed that a stem cell donor had been found and this week the brave young girl is heading to Bristol for treatment.

Ann says everyone is delighted at the news and has thanked people who supported her fundraising efforts in support of the invaluable work carried out by Delete Blood Cancer.

After a successful public campaign during which thousands of people signed the stem cell donor register, Alara’s family were told last week that a match had been found.

“This is terrific news,” said her aunt. “Everyone is thrilled and this was the best Christmas present ever. We are all looking forward to the New Year and seeing Alara’s health restored. We cannot thank enough everyone who supported the public campaign.”

Ann also revealed a fascinating story lies behind the source of her niece’s stem cell match, explaining it was found in an umbilical cord in the UK.

She said what is really amazing is that Alara’s mum, Susan, helped save the life of a little boy in France with her umbilical cord.

“Alara’s mum was pregnant with twins when Alara was first diagnosed and her umbilical cord was then frozen and kept in case Alara ever needed it. Although it wasn’t a match for Alara, it was for a little boy in France.”

Ann confirmed Alara will travel to Bristol this week to start the process for the stem cell transfer which will take around three weeks to complete.

She added: “The family is delighted and we cannot begin to thank everyone for their tremendous support.

“Many people in the Downpatrick area signed the stem cell donor register and many others and business owners supported a fundraising event I organised at Carousel Bingo last month in support of Delete Blood Cancer. We can now look forward to 2016 with renewed hope.

“Delete Blood Cancer was launched to increase the pool of lifesaving blood stem cell donors as it believes not one single person suffering with a blood cancer should die because they are unable to find a matching donor.

“Every 20 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma, but blood stem cells from a matching donor could cure them and save their lives. It is important the work of the charity continues to be supported.”