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A surgeon has launched a global search for a blood stem cell donor to save the life of his severely ill 12-year-old daughter.
Arya Lloyd first complained of stomachaches in May this year, and initially her parents thought they were general growing pains.
But when the pains persisted, Arya was referred to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, and was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a blood disorder.
Doctors say your best chance for survival is through a blood stem transplant
Doctors say your best chance for survival is through a blood stem transplant.
Her parents, Geraint Lloyd, 45, a consultant general surgeon at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, and dentist Brundha Lloyd, 47, have been told that they would only be compatible with 50 at best. % and that Arya needs 10/10 compatibility.
Usually the best match would be a brother, but she’s an only child, so her best hope now is in a stranger.
Lloyd from Cambridge said: “Our world was turned upside down when we were given Arya’s devastating diagnosis.
The 12-year-old boy has been diagnosed with an aplastic anemia blood disorder.
“He is with us always, and we are doing everything we can to give him a second chance at life.”
“I am a surgeon who has spent half my life caring for people with serious medical problems and cancer, but nothing prepares you for this.
“The world is a very different place now that we know Arya is unwell.”
The family is working with the international blood cancer charity DKMS in search of a donor.
Arya’s mixed heritage, being Indian and Caucasian, makes the search for a donor more challenging.
Ms. Lloyd has family in the United States and India, and DKMS has branches in both countries, so a global search has been launched to find Arya.
Mr. Lloyd is a consulting general surgeon at Lister Hospital in Stevenage.
Although the UK has a diverse population, patients of black, Asian or other minority origin have a 20% chance of finding the best matching stem cell donor, compared to 69% of northern European origin, he said. DKMS.
Lloyd said: “We are at the mercy of others right now. We need your support.”
DKMS has reported a sharp decrease in new donors coming in since March due to COVID-19.
EastEnders actor Priya Davdra is working with DKMS to encourage more people, particularly those in Asian communities, to sign up as potential blood stem cell donors.
“It broke my heart when I found out about Arya’s situation,” he said.
“Thinking what she and her family must be going through is so terrible.”
Arya’s mom and dad say they are now ‘at the mercy of others’
You have signed up as a potential donor and encouraged others to do so.
DKMS is looking for potential blood stem cell donors of all backgrounds.
If you are between 17 and 55 years old and in general good health, you can help Arya and the 2,000 other people in need of a life-saving transplant by registering online at dkms.org.uk/en/arya to get a kit. of swabs at home.
