STORY SUMMARY
A Utah teenager, Tyler Robbins, 16, from Lehi, is urgently seeking a bone marrow donor to combat his acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), which has relapsed despite initial successful treatment. Diagnosed in January 2023, Tyler endured months of chemotherapy and a transplant, only for the cancer to return seven months later. His condition is complicated by two genetic mutations, making a matching donor difficult to find. The family and medical team stress the need for more diverse donors, noting only 1% of the current registry identifies as Native American. Tyler’s dad urges people to sign up at nmdp.org to potentially save his son’s life. Tyler, described as a lively teen who enjoys video games and Taekwondo, faces another round of chemotherapy tomorrow, as his family clings to hope for a matching donor. Live from the newsroom, Jonathan May, ABC4 News.
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LEHI, UTAH — Tyler Robbins, a 16-year-old from Lehi, is once again combating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after experiencing a relapse. Diagnosed with AML in January 2023, Tyler initially responded well to treatment, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. He signaled his apparent victory over the disease by ringing the hospital bell. Unfortunately, just seven months later, his cancer returned on March 24, thrusting him back into the intense battle for his health.
The complication in Tyler’s case arises from the presence of two difficult-to-treat genetic mutations linked to his leukemia, compounding the challenge of finding a compatible bone marrow donor. Given that successful bone marrow transplants heavily depend on genetic compatibility, the rarity of donors with Tyler’s Native American heritage poses a significant hurdle. Only about 1% of the current donor registry has the necessary genetic markers, making the search much more arduous for his doctors and family.
The Robbins family, determined to find a match, urges wider participation in the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). By increasing the diversity of the donor registry, Tyler’s chances—and those of others in similar situations—could significantly improve. Tyler prepares for his fourth round of chemotherapy, harboring hope that a suitable donor will come forward to help him in his relentless fight against AML. The family’s resolve and Tyler’s courageous battle underscore the critical need for inclusive donor registrations to better support patients with diverse genetic backgrounds.
