Let’s read together the life story of Amir-Hassan, when his brother turned the hardest moments into the sweetest memories, through an interview with his father.
“Tell us about your life and your children. I have four children: one daughter and three sons. My daughter is currently studying health sciences in Hormozgan Province. Ali-Reza is in the first year of high school, Amir-Hassan is 12 years old, and Mohammad-Taha is now 20 months old.
When Amir-Hassan was 4 years old, he became ill, and after numerous visits and follow-ups, it was determined that he had ALL type 2. Tests on his older brother and sister showed that their bone marrow was not compatible with Amir-Hassan. Dr. Karimi suggested a cord blood transplant. Since no matching sample was available in the country’s banks, we decided to have another child and use his cord blood for Amir-Hassan’s transplant. Of course, this was also a high-risk decision, but thanks to God, Mohammad-Taha’s cord blood matched Amir-Hassan.
Tell us about Amir-Hassan’s illness.
In April 2007, Amir-Hassan was diagnosed. Initially, they said the treatment would last three months and be completed with medication. By June 2009, the medications were stopped, but in October 2009, the disease relapsed. From October 2009 to June 2012, treatment was resumed. In June, the medications were stopped again, but by February, disease complications reappeared. The Shiraz transplant committee convened and determined that the only treatment was via cord blood, which strengthened our determination to have another child.
After Mohammad-Taha was born and his cord blood was frozen, the doctors in Shiraz recommended that, given the circumstances, it was better to go to Tehran for the transplant. Since the cord blood was stored in Tehran, transferring it to Shiraz could risk delays due to flights and compromise the procedure.
How was the treatment process?
When it was decided to perform the transplant using cord blood, there was a possibility of cell shortage due to Amir-Hassan’s weight. Therefore, two bone marrow tests were done on Mohammad-Taha: first, to check for compatibility, and second, to confirm Mohammad-Taha’s full health.
Who suggested storing the cord blood?
I had no prior knowledge of cord blood treatment. The Shiraz doctors guided me. After following up, I learned that Royan stored cord blood stem cells. I visited their Shiraz office and, after signing a contract, Mohammad-Taha’s cord blood was preserved.
What was Dr. Hamidiyeh’s opinion about the cord blood transplant?
From the beginning, Dr. Hamidiyeh emphasized a cord blood stem cell transplant after learning that Amir-Hassan’s siblings’ bone marrow was incompatible. However, later, because Amir-Hassan’s weight had increased and the cord blood cell count was lower than needed, additional cells were obtained from Mohammad-Taha’s bone marrow. From August 2013, when we arrived in Tehran, a series of tests and consultations were conducted to prepare for the transplant.
In January of the following year, the transplant was planned, but due to financial constraints and the winter season, we postponed it to spring 2014. After the Nowruz holidays, Dr. Hamidiyeh said all prior tests had expired and needed to be repeated. From June 2014, tests and consultations resumed, but there were no available beds. Finally, in November 2014, we arrived in Tehran. Amir-Hassan was admitted on November 26, and prepared for the transplant. On December 7, his bone marrow stem cells were infused, followed by the cord blood stem cells on December 8.
How did you feel during this period?
“My only solace during this time was that I did everything I could. I am at peace with my conscience. Whatever the outcome, I am satisfied.”
How much did the transplant cost?
Overall, the transplant and treatment of Amir-Hassan cost approximately 10 million Tomans.