How did a Spanish baby's cord blood save a UK teenager?

The cord blood, rich in stem cells, was donated by a Spanish baby and preserved for 12 years until it was a perfect match for Lyra Cassell, who needed a transplant to treat her leukemia.

What is precursor T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia?

It is a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer affecting the T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune system.

Can cord blood donations save lives in other countries like Spain?

Yes, cord blood donations are crucial for treating various diseases and can save lives internationally, as demonstrated by Lyra Cassell's case.

Home / Health / UK Teen Saved by 12-Year-Old Spanish Cord Blood

UK Teen Saved by 12-Year-Old Spanish Cord Blood

25 Nov

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Summary

A British teen's life was saved by cord blood from a Spanish baby.
The life-saving transplant occurred 12 years after the cord blood was donated.
Lyra Cassell battled a rare and aggressive form of leukemia.

UK Teen Saved by 12-Year-Old Spanish Cord Blood

A British teenager, Lyra Cassell, has shared her remarkable recovery story, attributing her survival to a life-saving cord blood transplant facilitated by a donation made in Spain 12 years ago. At 16, Lyra was diagnosed with precursor T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia, an aggressive and rare blood cancer. Following intensive chemotherapy that failed to eradicate the disease, doctors opted for a unique treatment.

Lyra received a transplant of approximately 20ml of cord blood. This blood, rich in stem cells, was collected from a newborn baby in Spain in 2010 and had been preserved. The transplant, performed after further chemotherapy and total body irradiation, proved successful, leading to Lyra being declared cancer-free in May 2022.

Her experience has inspired Lyra to advocate for organ, blood, and stem cell donation, encouraging others to register. She also aims to pursue a career in occupational therapy, motivated by her own rehabilitation journey and the desire to help others regain their identity and normality after illness.

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