Hannah Newman-Smith, a 34-year-old new mother from Liverpool, was diagnosed with a rare blood condition called aplastic anaemia after noticing bruises on her body, including one on her face caused by her toddler hitting her with a remote control. Initially attributing the bruises to clumsiness and her fair complexion, Hannah realized something was seriously wrong after experiencing breathlessness and bleeding gums. She sought medical attention and was referred for emergency blood tests, which led to a diagnosis of aplastic anaemia.
Aplastic anaemia is a severe condition that affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells, impacting crucial bodily functions such as immune system function, oxygen transportation, and blood clotting. As other treatment options proved unsuccessful, Hannah received a stem cell transplant on June 1 at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. Despite her sister not being a match, a donor was found from abroad. Five months later, Hannah is recovering well, and her blood count has increased. She now hopes to raise awareness about the importance of becoming a stem cell and blood donor.
Consultant haemato-oncologist Dr Muhammad Saif emphasized that treating patients with aplastic anaemia is challenging due to its rarity and the complexity of coordinating stem cell transplants. However, the dedicated team at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre worked diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for Hannah, who had a severe form of the condition. Hannah’s journey serves as a reminder of the critical need for stem cell and blood donors to save lives in cases like hers.
