Boy seeks life-saving stem cell transplant from his young son in desperate attempt to survive
In a heartwarming story of courage and family, nine-year-old Stephen Mondek has made history at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The fourth-grader agreed to donate stem cells to his father, Nick Mondek, who is battling acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Nick Mondek, a 48-year-old anesthesiologist, was diagnosed with AML in April 2022. Initially, he experienced constant fatigue, little appetite, and a rapid increase in his resting heart rate from 60 beats per minute to 100 bpm. After six days at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center receiving chemotherapy to suppress his immune system, Nick received the stem cells from his son.
Stephen's immune system was found to be compatible with his father's, making him a potential donor. The entry point for the stem cell donation was a central line (catheter) inserted into Stephen's neck. The procedure was a non-surgical one, but since Stephen's veins are smaller than an adult's, doctors had to find another entry point.
Dr. Ronald Paquette, clinical director of the Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Cedars-Sinai Cancer, has been searching for genetic matches for Nick Mondek but has found none in his family or in the National Bone Marrow Registry.
The success of the stem cell transplant will take more than a year to determine if it can defeat Nick Mondek's leukemia. Critical care pediatrician Dr. Hoyoung Chung praised Stephen for his bravery during the procedure.
Meanwhile, Stephen dreams of becoming a doctor for a Major League Baseball team. His father, Nick, was discharged from the hospital on Aug. 16 and drove straight to Stephen's baseball game to catch his son's final inning.
Sadly, Nick's brother provided a stem cell donation that sent his blood cancer into remission, but the leukemia returned in April. The family is now fighting to prevent their immediate deportation, with Nick's wife, Danielle Boyer, leading the efforts.
A stem cell clinic is planning to appeal the FDA's authority to the Supreme Court, potentially affecting the safety of thousands of patients. Nick Mondek employed voice contributors during his treatment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. After the procedure, Stephen went home to his family, including his father, mother, and his younger brother, John.
This story of a brave young boy and his selfless act highlights the importance of stem cell donation and the bond between a father and his son. The family continues to fight for Nick's life and their right to stay in the country, hoping for a brighter future.
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