Mohammad’s Father Recounts His Son’s Illness
Mr. Ghalandari spoke about the days when he was away on duty while his son had recurring fevers, and Mohammad’s mother stayed awake all night caring for him, fearing that he might suffer a seizure. The Ghalandari family lives in Kouhestak, Bandar Abbas.
The father says: “We have eight children — six sons and two daughters. Mohammad is our fourth child. He was six years old when his fevers began. He would get fevers at night, but not during the day. His gums became inflamed, and tissue began growing on them. We first took him to Minab for treatment, where he underwent many tests, but the illness was not identified. We then went to Bandar Abbas, where doctors found that Mohammad’s platelet count was very low. He was hospitalized there for three days, but upon the doctors’ advice, we transferred him to Yazd for further treatment.”
In Yazd, at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital’s oncology ward, Mohammad was placed in isolation. After repeating the tests, the results confirmed a serious condition, but the lab technicians insisted that only the doctor could explain the findings. When asked, the father said: “Whatever the disease is, tell me. Illness is in God’s hands, and so is its cure.”
Chemotherapy Could Not Overcome the Illness
Eventually, Mohammad was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). Chemotherapy began, but witnessing their child suffer was deeply painful for the family. From August 1, 2006, the treatments lasted two years. However, it became clear that chemotherapy alone could not defeat the illness, and another solution was needed.
Doctors at Shariati Hospital in Tehran recommended a stem cell transplant. All family members were tested for bone marrow donation, but none were genetically compatible with Mohammad. Doctors explained that cord blood stem cells could also be a potential cure, but unfortunately, no matching sample was found in the national cord blood bank either. With no choice left, chemotherapy continued while discussions began about the possibility of autologous transplantation (using Mohammad’s own stem cells).
But destiny had another plan...
Faith in Miracles
Two more children were born to the family after Mohammad, but neither of their cord blood samples were compatible with him. One day, while Mohammad was hospitalized, a nurse asked his mother if she was pregnant. Though she said no, the nurse insisted on a test. The result was positive. Doctors warned her against staying in the hospital due to radiation exposure and advised that the newborn’s cord blood should definitely be preserved — as it might become the miracle cure.
The father recalls asking: “How do you know that the newborn’s cord blood will be compatible with Mohammad?”
The doctors replied: “How do you know it won’t?”
Before the delivery, arrangements were made to collect the baby’s cord blood. On the day of birth, the cord blood was successfully stored. Normally, HLA genetic matching results would take three weeks, but Dr. Hamidieh, the treating physician, urged for urgent testing. The results confirmed a perfect genetic match between Mohammad and his newborn brother, Benyamin.
The family rejoiced. Mohammad was quickly transferred to Tehran, admitted to Shariati Hospital, and prepared for the transplant. However, the cord blood cell count was not sufficient on its own, so doctors performed a double-cord transplant using Benyamin’s sample along with a supplementary unit. The family rented a house in Tehran for six months to continue treatment and recovery.
Mohammad Defeated Life’s Hardest Battle
Now, twelve years later, Mohammad has grown strong and healthy, having defeated life’s toughest challenge. In our conversation, he said:
“I am studying in the humanities track and preparing for the university entrance exam. I love football, and my past illness does not trouble me at all. I study and play sports just like my friends — even better sometimes. My father is a fisherman, and I often help him. I am always grateful for his efforts.”