Father Steps Up as Son Awaits Urgent Stem Cell Transplant

Sixteen-year-old Leo Sproson is facing a critical moment in his battle against acute myeloid leukemia, as his best hope for a stem cell transplant now lies with his father, Warren Sproson. After a successful appeal by The Mirror that mobilized the community, a donor match was initially found. However, with time running out, Leo’s medical team has opted to proceed with his father’s stem cells.

The appeal, which encouraged individuals to register as stem cell donors, saw around 1,000 people sign up online. Additionally, more than 700 individuals registered at a local event near Leo’s home in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. Despite these efforts, Leo cannot afford any further delays associated with testing the newly identified donor. He is now scheduled to receive his father’s stem cells, which has pushed back his treatment timeline.

Urgent Need for Treatment

Leo’s treatment is now expected to commence next month, requiring him to undergo both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. His mother, Jenna Elwell, aged 41, explained the complexities involved in using Warren’s cells. “Warren can only ever be at most a 6/12 match,” she stated. “They need to do everything they can to condition his body to accept Warren’s stem cells. Chemo alone isn’t enough.” The family is hopeful that the transplant will be successful, but the potential for rejection remains a concern.

Warren, aged 46 and a professional driver, expressed the gravity of Leo’s situation. “His leukemia is quite aggressive,” he said. “There’s a very, very strong chance it will come back without a donor stepping in.” This urgency underscores the critical nature of timely medical intervention, as further complications could arise without immediate action.

In November, the blood donor drive attracted over 700 attendees, and a suitable donor was identified in December following the appeal. Although the match was promising, additional testing was necessary, which Leo cannot wait for. His health has deteriorated since his diagnosis, which came shortly after he experienced liver failure just days after his twelfth birthday.

Family Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Reflecting on the emotional toll of Leo’s diagnosis, Jenna recalled the moment she received the news. “I remember the doctor telling me, and I just burst into tears in the hallways. My heart was broken; my world just fell apart,” she shared. As Leo’s only parent, Jenna had the heartbreaking task of informing him about his cancer. Despite the severity of his condition, Leo displayed remarkable strength. “He took it much better than me and his dad. He was quiet for a while, but he’s determined to beat it,” she noted.

Warren has openly expressed his love and commitment to his son throughout this ordeal. “Leo is my whole world. He’s my mini-me, my greatest joy, and he deserves a second chance at life,” he said during the initial appeal for donors. “Watching him face this fight with such courage breaks my heart, but it also fills me with pride.” His heartfelt plea emphasized the importance of community support in providing Leo with a chance for recovery. “Your support means more than words can ever say,” he added.

For those wishing to help, swab kits for potential donors can be requested through DKMS at dkms.org.uk. Leo’s story has inspired many, and his family remains hopeful that the upcoming transplant will lead to a successful recovery.