Hope for Laois family after baby Robyn finds 'perfect stem cell match'

A young couple from Portarlington in Laois with a baby diagnosed with a "one in a billion" rare disorder have shared the incredible news that their child has found her perfect stem cell match. 

Little girl Robyn Neville-Quinn is just one year old and has been diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS), a life-threatening genetic disorder. Since her birth she has battled serious medical issues and needs a bone marrow transplant.

Robyn is the only child of Meagan and Adam, both 25, who now live in Belfast. 

Providing an update on Robyn's treatment this week the couple said: "We have incredible news—Robyn has found her perfect stem cell match!

"We are beyond grateful to the amazing person who will be donating their stem cells to save our little girl’s life. The transplant is hopefully happening in October or November."

"The process, however, will be challenging for Robyn. Before the transplant, she will need to undergo an intense round of chemotherapy to prepare her body by wiping out her existing bone marrow. This is a necessary but difficult step to make room for the new stem cells. The actual transplant will involve infusing the donor’s healthy stem cells into Robyn’s bloodstream, where they will hopefully begin to grow and produce new, healthy blood cells.

"After the transplant, Robyn will face a long recovery period, during which her immune system will be very weak. She’ll need to be closely monitored for complications like infections or graft-versus-host disease. It will be a tough journey, but this transplant is Robyn’s best chance at a healthy future."

The operation must be done by the NHS in London so the couple have gone public to reach out for financial support to help them take time off work and stay near their baby.  A GoFundMe page was launched to help the couple navigate the financial and emotional challenges ahead.

"While we’re so thankful for this match, we know the journey is far from over. If you’re able, your support through our GoFundMe would be a huge help.

"If you want to help save a life, please consider joining the bone marrow registry. You could be the match that someone else desperately needs. You can learn more and sign up here: https://www.anthonynolan.org/1millionunited

"Thank you so much for your continued support, love, and for helping us share Robyn’s Journey."

The GoFundMe called 'Robyn's Journey', organised by Pamela Quinn, has so far raised almost £16,000.