Stranger Gives NH Boy A Shot At Beating Leukemia
BOSTON (CBS) - The grandparents of 2-year-old Aybel Martin are hoping today marks the beginning of a new life.
Aybel, who's from Goffstown, New Hampshire has a form of leukemia, diagnosed almost a year ago.
"They just thought he had a headache," said Ruth Martin. "So they would give him a little bit of Tylenol."
But it was much worse, as the Martins would learn from their son, Aybel's father.
"He called us and said 'Mom, Dad, there's something wrong with Aybel,'" remembers Raymond Martin Sr.
Aybel had tumors in his head.
The diagnosis would lead to chemotherapy treatments and radiation, but nothing worked.
Bone marrow drives were held around the state.
A 100% match was found from a stranger. It was a 21-year-old woman, and that's all the family knows about the donor.
"I feel really lucky that they could find a match and now we pray that his body accepts it," said Ruth.
On Monday, Aybel checked in to Boston Children's Hospital as he prepares for more chemotherapy or radiation before the bone marrow transplant.
It will be many weeks before doctors know if it will save his life.
CLICK HERE for more information on how to donate bone marrow and stem cells.
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