2-year-old sister is perfect bone marrow match for Utah girl with severe aplastic anemia
A young girl in Utah diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia has found a life-saving bone marrow match in her two-year-old sister. The family is currently navigating the medical challenges of the rare condition following a diagnosis in late 2025.
Why it matters
Highlights the critical importance of bone marrow registries and the life-saving potential of familial matches for rare blood disorders.
A Utah family’s difficult medical journey took an emotional turn when young Emma Meline was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia just days before Christmas, and about two months later, the family learned that her 2-year-old sister was a perfect bone marrow match. According to a GoFundMe fundraiser organised by Emma’s mother, Amanda Meline, Emma began experiencing concerning symptoms on December 21, 2025, and was soon diagnosed with bone marrow failure and severe aplastic anemia. The family later learned that Emma’s younger sister, Lucy, could donate the marrow needed for her transplant.A sudden diagnosisEmma’s health concerns began shortly before Christmas 2025. Her parents noticed symptoms that worried them, prompting a visit to her pediatrician.
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