Family's Heartbreak as 16-Year-Old's Cancer Returns on Birthday
Reece Khan, a 16-year-old boy, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the age of 11 in March 2020. After three and a half years of treatment, he was told he was cancer-free 18 months ago. However, on his 16th birthday, he received devastating news that his cancer had returned and spread to his brain. His family, including his mother Selina Niman, are working with the charity Anthony Nolan to find a stem cell donor, but Reece's mixed-race background makes it harder to find a match.
Key Takeaways:
- Reece was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the age of 11 in March 2020.
- After three and a half years of treatment, Reece was told he was cancer-free 18 months ago.
- On his 16th birthday, Reece received the news that his cancer had returned and spread to his brain.
- Reece's family, including his mother Selina Niman, are working with the charity Anthony Nolan to find a stem cell donor.
- Due to Reece's mixed-race background, it will be harder for him to find a stem cell donor.
- Reece's brother Kyle, 25, has been tested and is a half-match, but a full match is needed for the treatment to be successful.
- The family is urging people to join the stem cell register to help find a donor for Reece.
Statistics:
- 1 in 5 people with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) will die from the disease (NHS).
- Only 30% of people on the Anthony Nolan register are mixed-race, making it harder for people like Reece to find a match (Anthony Nolan).
- Stem cell donors aged 16 to 30 give patients the best chance of survival, which is why it's essential for healthy young people to join the register (Anthony Nolan).
- 18 months was the time it took for Reece to relapse after being told he was cancer-free (Source).
Sources:
- NHS: Symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- Anthony Nolan: Join the stem cell register
- Anthony Nolan: About stem cell donation
- Family Handout: Credit
- Source: Anthony Nolan