One-year-old Leo survives against all odds, after life-saving stem cell transplant

AGAINST all odds, baby Leo Parker has passed the critical 100-day milestone following a life-saving stem cell transplant. 

The one-year-old from Cape Town suffers from MECOM-Associated Syndrome - a rare disorder with only 23 cases worldwide. 

He was diagnosed at eight months old with what is believed to be South Africa's first case of MECOM-Associated Syndrome. 

He faced complete bone marrow failure as the genetic disorder prevented his body from producing essential blood cells, and his survival depended on finding a matching stem cell donor, a one-in-100,000 chance.

When registry searches proved unsuccessful, a public appeal was launched that mobilised communities to register as potential donors.

“Every day felt like we were racing against time, not knowing if the one person who could save Leo even existed,” said Leo's father Andrew Parker. 

“After months of uncertainty, suddenly there was hope. It was the single biggest relief of our lives.”

Describing the transplant process, Dr Hedi van der Watt, Leo’s paediatrician said the stem cell transplant is like a blood transfusion, but the preparation is far more intense. 

“The child’s immune system must be suppressed, and the new stem cells must take hold in the bone marrow. Children can’t communicate how they feel, so it’s a constant balancing act for the medical team and parents. Leo’s resilience, and his family’s, was extraordinary.”

The road to recovery was arduous, involving chemotherapy and a 112-day hospital isolation period. 

“Every tiny milestone like eating again, smiling, and sitting up all felt like small victories. Slowly but surely, we started seeing our little boy come back,” recalls Parker.

“Those first 100 days are the most critical, and passing them felt like crossing from fear into hope. Leo's new stem cells are working, and he's well and truly on his way to making a full recovery."

To the anonymous donor who saved his son's life, Parker said: “There are no words big enough to express our gratitude. You didn't just save our beautiful boy; you gave our family a future.”

In his short life, Leo endured more than 20 specialist consultations, numerous procedures, and 14 blood transfusions. 

Palesa Mokomele, from DKMS Africa, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer said Leo’s journey captured the hearts of the nation.

“While his family searched for their miracle, his story inspired many to join the registry. The most beautiful outcome is that we know of at least three individuals who registered after hearing Leo's story who have now been identified as potential life-savers for other patients.”

Cape Times