Enzo was less than 2 years old when he came home from daycare covered in bruises. While his parents thought it was just from being an active child, his doctor immediately referred their family to Rady Children’s. Testing resulted in a diagnosis of aplastic anemia. This serious condition meant Enzo’s bone marrow wasn’t making enough new blood cells. With fewer blood cells, children with aplastic anemia face an increased risk of infection and bleeding problems because less oxygen is delivered to their organs, tissues and cells.
Enzo’s expert team at Rady Children’s knew the next step—he needed a bone marrow transplant. Testing revealed that his 5-year-old sister, Sofia, was a match, even though the odds of her matching were just 1 in 4. Sofia and her parents bravely prepared to do what was needed to change her brother’s life.
After the bone marrow was infused, the family waited an agonizing ten days to see if the new bone marrow transplant was doing its job. Every passing day, Enzo and his family anxiously watched his blood test results, and soon, they began to see an upward trend. The treatment was working.
Shortly after, Enzo returned home and embarked on the road to recovery. He and his family returned to Rady Children’s, at first weekly, then monthly, for post-transplant medical care and monitoring.
Today, Enzo and his family only see his team of specialists for annual checkups. After receiving the life-changing transplant, Enzo has remained healthy and is now an active 10-year-old. Like many kids his age, he loves soccer and spending time with his family.
