The moment when a leukaemia-stricken teenager and her three siblings discovered that they are a great match for her as a bone marrow donor.
Megan Mejia 13, with her family, held the unique “bone marrow match revelation” at her grandparents house in Ontario (California) last month.
When she finds out that her sisters, Brianna (22) and Emily (18) have been chosen as bone marrow matches, her family is delighted.
Megan Mejia, 13, and her family held the unique ‘bone marrow match reveal’ at her grandparents’ house in Ontario, California, last month
Megan was first diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphomaemia (ALL) in August 2021.
Later, however, the family learned that her 13-year old daughter has a very rare type of leukemia. It is found in just 1% to 3% of those with leukaemia.
CAR–T immunotherapy, a relatively new and innovative treatment for cancer, is being used on her.
Her family and she smile in joy when they learn that Brianna (22) and Emily (18) are her bone marrow match.
To stop cancer from returning, she will have a bone marrow donation.
Megan’s siblings could be a good match for a bone transplant, according to Doctors.
Patients search through the bone marrow registry for donors.
Megan’s extended family viewed it as a celebration for new life and renewed hope.
Mrs Mejia (41), had asked Kaiser Permanente Fontana and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles doctors not to tell her right away who was the match for her bone marrow.
Instead, the 41-year old Eastvale resident, California asked for the donation’s name to be put in an envelope.
In August 2021, the 13-year old was diagnosed as having Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphomaemia. Megan’s family later discovered that Megan had a subtype of leukaemia which was resistant to chemotherapy. This rare type is found in 1% of all children diagnosed with leukaemia.
The oncology nurses suggested they announce the news by placing the names on an ornament that is decorated with Christmas lights and gift wrapping it.
Before she can reveal the three jewels, the family of the woman singing to her sing Happy Donor Day.
Christine, Christine’s mother of 41, is shocked and holds her hands above her mouth.
Megan’s loved ones scream in joy and start clapping as Megan tells them the incredible news.
Later she could be heard saying “Oh my god, are you okay?” As her family hugs, laughs and tears together.
Megan is heard later saying “Oh My God, Are You Okay?” Pictured: Mother Christine and sister Emily hug together. Picture: Mother Christine, Emily and their sister Emily hugging
The oncology nurses suggested they announce the news by writing the names of each match on a Christmas ornament and then wrapping it as a gift.
Before she can reveal the three jewels, the family of the woman singing to her sings Happy Donor Day.
Christine, Christine’s mother of 41 years, is in shock and clutches her lips as she realizes.
Megan’s entire family is filled with joy as Megan shares the wonderful news. They clap and shout in delight.
Later she could be heard saying “Oh my god, are you okay?” As her family hugs, laughs and tears together.
Megan’s siblings at hospital after having their bone marrow extracted to see if they are a match
Mrs Mejia said: ‘Megan is getting a second chance at a healthy life because of her sibling. This deserves to be celebrated.
I wanted to throw an event and shout loud that God had answered my prayers.
“I have seen many gender reveal parties. So why not throw my own Bone Marrow Reveal Party?” They are both celebrating and announcing a new beginning.
“I have received overwhelming responses from friends, family and strangers.
Viewers reached out and said they could sympathize with my situation. I cried as they did too.
“Many shared this story because it happened during a personal trial and that they are now filled with hope.
Others have stated that they saw it multiple times and couldn’t stop smiling.
“And some have shared their personal stories of cancer with me.
Her siblings stand together after their bone marrow is extracted at hospital