Transplant of sibling’s stem cells shows promise in sickle-cell fight

Ieshea Thomas, who has suffered from sickle cell anemia nearly all of her life, recently received a life-changing gift from her sister: stem cells.

Her sister Ivenus’ donation of stem cells in November means Thomas’ body is now able to produce normally shaped blood cells, instead of the sickle-shaped ones that cause all kinds of health problems for her. Thomas received the stem cell transplant as part of a clinical trial at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System in Chicago.

Now, Thomas, 32, said she has become healthy enough to attend the graduation of her 14-year-old daughter, Miayatha, from junior high school.

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View the original article here: Transplant of sibling’s stem cells shows promise in sickle-cell fight – Chicago Tribune