A Mother’s Fight: How My 3-Year-Old Son Became My Lifeline

 A Journey of Faith, Survival, and Miracles

The Life-Changing News

On Christmas Eve, December 25, 2021, my husband, my mother, and I sat anxiously in front of my doctor. He spoke about the next phase of my treatment—a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT).

We were completely unfamiliar with these medical terms. The doctor explained that this procedure had only a 40% success rate, meaning there was a 60% chance of losing my life. However, if we chose not to proceed, there was a 100% chance that the disease could return at any time.

To move forward, a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) test was necessary. This test determines whether a person is a suitable stem cell donor, usually a close blood relative.

We had no other option. We had to proceed.

The First Search for a Donor

The first HLA test was conducted with my sister, but unfortunately, only 2 out of 12 markers matched. A perfect 12/12 match would have made the transplant much safer. At the very least, we needed a half-match from a close blood relative.

Desperate, my mother reached out to our extended family, but none of our relatives were willing even to take the test. Her efforts ended in tears.

With no family donors available, the hospital searched the global stem cell donor registry and found four potential donors. However:

• Two donors had relocated due to COVID-19 and were unreachable.
• One donor refused to donate.
• Only one donor, from abroad, agreed.

Seeing the uncertainty, my doctor advised me to preserve my own stem cells in case of an emergency.

Understanding the Transplant

At this point, I asked my doctor:

"Doctor, what is a Bone Marrow Transplant? And what are stem cells?"

He explained:

A Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), also called a stem cell transplant, replaces unhealthy bone marrow with healthy stem cells. These cells help produce new blood cells, treating certain cancers and blood disorders.

Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside some bones. It produces stem cells, which develop into different types of blood cells.

I nodded, trying to absorb everything. Somewhat, I understood.

A Heartbreaking Setback

After all my pre-transplant tests, I was scheduled for admission in the second week of May. On Tuesday, as I prepared mentally and emotionally, I called to confirm my admission for the next day.

Then came the shocking news—the only willing donor had backed out.

I was devastated.

"Oh God! What’s next?"

A verse from Psalm 121:1-2 filled my heart:

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

Just then, my doctor called again. He had an unexpected question.

"What about your son, Isaac Ebenezer? We need to test his HLA compatibility."

We were shocked. Because Isaac was only three years old,

I hesitated and told my doctor:

"He was born after 13 years of marriage—a gift from above. This is not just my life at risk, but his as well."

My doctor firmly responded:

"There’s no other option. We must proceed."

With prayer and faith, we surrendered everything to God and went ahead with the test.

A Ray of Hope

Isaac’s HLA test showed a 9/12 match—enough to proceed. God had made a way!

On July 15, 2022, as a family, we were admitted to Room No. 2 BMT, 3rd Floor, DJ Building, Cancer Institute, Adyar, Chennai.

Isaac underwent five days of pre-medication before the stem cell extraction. He received two doses of medicine daily—morning and evening. Meanwhile, I underwent radiation and chemotherapy, while my husband stood by both of us, with God by his side.

The Day of Extraction

To meet my body's requirements, 360ml of blood was needed to extract enough stem cells. This would be taken from Isaac.

The day arrived.

Isaac was taken into the operation theatre. As a precaution, one unit of blood was arranged for him in case of an emergency. A central line was placed in his thigh to extract the blood.

Even today, I cannot bear to think of that moment—tears still fill my eyes.

A Miracle in the Making

By God’s grace, instead of 360ml, the required stem cells were miraculously found in just 136ml of Isaac’s blood.

After regaining consciousness, he drank some juice and returned to normal within two days. He remained with us for 10 days before being discharged.

I thank God for the favor He granted us in the eyes of the doctors and nurses—they treated Isaac and our entire family with such kindness and care.

The Transplant That Gave Me Life

After Isaac was discharged, his stem cells—the blood of my son—were infused into me.

By God’s immeasurable grace, my body accepted the new stem cells and, within expected days, began producing new blood cells.

I still cannot believe it—this was something only God could do.

I AM ALIVE! Praise God!

On August 15, 2022, I was discharged—a new creation.

Life After Transplant—A New Battle

But the journey did not end there. The challenges after a bone marrow transplant were even more intense.

Yet, with God by my side, I am alive!

Conclusion

A Second Chance at Life – Despite overwhelming challenges, my 3-year-old son’s sacrifice and God’s grace gave me the gift of life. This journey was not just about survival but a testament to the power of love, resilience, and unwavering faith.

Faith Overcomes All – The battle didn’t end with the transplant; the challenges continue. But with God by my side, I walk forward with strength and gratitude, knowing that even in the darkest moments, miracles are possible.

Thank You🙏

Let’s Exercise the Word of God Every Day!

"For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37

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