Hello! I’m Antonio, I’m only 4 years old and I’ve already been born twice! I was diagnosed with B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when I was only 4 months old. I received very aggressive chemotherapy on my little baby body and yet a relapse of the disease led me straight to a bone marrow transplant. I was placed in an isolation chamber a week before my first birthday.
It’s easier said than done, the battle was tough… but the prognosis was very good as the Bone Marrow Donor Registry managed by the Josep Carreras Foundation found a donor who was 100% compatible with me.
Unfortunately 3 months later I had another relapse…. This time it was localised and it was possible to act in time by removing the affected area and receiving radiotherapy. Even so, it also affected my skin and I had to have a stem cell transfusion to put all the cells that were damaging my skin back in order, but we were able to fight it with perseverance and patience!
It has been a roller-coaster, but today I am a very happy child and I feel very content because after overcoming this big obstacle, I have been able to start school on time in my super school where we are a big family. They take great care of me and I am very much loved!
I love spending time with my friends and doing things outside of school, but what I love and love the most is going on the carousel. My passion for horses hasn’t changed since then!
Thanks to all of you who have made it possible for me to be here through research and bone marrow donation. Now I can live without limitations! THANK YOU!
Antonio