Sloane needs a bone marrow transplant and you could be her match! #SloaneStrong
Sloane spent her first birthday in the hospital recovering from emergency brain surgery. She had been diagnosed with ATRT, a rare cancerous tumor in the brain. The removal of a six centimeter tumor was just the beginning. The next twelve months were marked with countless hospital stays as Sloane received 52 weeks of chemotherapy and six weeks of proton radiation.
Through it all, Sloane’s strength and warm glow defied comprehension. She was so cooperative and brave, pulling up her shirt to show the nurses where her port is and giving everyone a smile or a wave hello. After a year of treatment she rang the bell signifying that chemotherapy was over. We celebrated and hoped it was the end of this nightmare, but God had another plan for us.
A few months later the cancer was back, this time in the spine. This meant more doctors and more treatment for this courageous two-year-old child. An Ommaya reservoir was implanted into her head and Sloane received chemotherapy once again. Through it all, Sloane still thrived, meeting all of her milestones and never letting her illness dull her infectious personality and sassiness.
Despite Sloane’s resilience we were once again hit with devastating news. Sloane developed a secondary pre-cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as a result of her previous treatments.
Now 4 years old, this brave little girl is fighting two forms of cancer and needs your help.
Sloane is a hero to everyone who meets her, but you could become her hero!
What You Can Do
- Join the registry! Click to request your swab kit to be mailed to your home.
- Donors may join the registry on turning 18. Donors over the age of 35 can join the registry but we ask that you to please donate $60 to offset the lab fees – Click here to learn why.
- Eighty percent of donors requested by transplant centers are 18 to 35 years old for medical reasons – Click here to learn why Age Matters.
- Donors can remain in the registry until their 61st birthday – Click here to learn why the registry has an Age Limit.
- Certain medical conditions may mean you are not able to join the registry or donate – Click here to check the Conditions List. If you're not sure, a health history questionnaire is part of the registration process.
- Sponsor a swab kit. Click on the orange "Donate Now" button. Lab processing of every kit costs $60. Your contribution will help add new donors to the registry, who may be a match for Sloane or another patient.
- Spread the word. Use the social media links below to share Sloane's story in your Facebook and Twitter account. The more people who order a swab kit and join the registry, the faster Sloane will find a donor. #SloaneStrong
