THE GIRL WHOSE LIFE SHE SAVED
therapy and in February 2012 was declared cancer free. But it returned eight months later.
Zelease said: “That was appalling. It just felt like she’d been through so much and this evil cancer was still doing all it could to take her from us. The South African doctors suggested we should let her die peacefully, without having to go through more treatment.” But the couple refused to give up and decided their best hope lay back in the UK.
They relocated to Birmingham, where Matthew’s firm had an office.
Skylah was admitted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the family was told only a stem cell transplant would save her. After three agonising months, the Anthony Nolan charity told them a match had been found – “an unbelievable moment”, said Matthew. Nearly six years on, Skylah is fit and healthy and doing well at school.
Zelease said: “We lived in hell for three years, watching our beautiful little girl undergo so much pain. From August 2011 to June 2014 I lived in hospital with her, sharing her cot each night.
“I just hope our story can give hope to people who might be going though hell now and also be a call to action for anyone who thinks about donating stem cells – as Matt and I now are.”
Terence Lovell, director of engagement at Anthony Nolan, said: “We are happy that Skylah is doing so well. None of this would have been possible without Sam, who gave Skylah the greatest gift possible, the gift of life.
“We aim to raise more funds, more awareness and recruit more young people to the Anthony Nolan register.
“Anyone wanting to support our work can make a donation, which will help give someone like Skylah a second chance of life.”