When Sharelle Gilley celebrated two years of remission from cancer, her family thought they had left the nightmare behind. But earlier this year, the seven-year-old from Seven Sisters in Neath, Wales, began to feel unwell again. Her father, Frank Gilley, feared the worst. Heartbreakingly, their fears were confirmed: Sharelle’s cancer had returned.
A New Battle Begins
Sharelle was initially diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2020 after a persistent nosebleed. The young girl underwent a grueling year-long chemotherapy treatment and had been in remission since. Unfortunately, this time, the diagnosis was different. Sharelle now had acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rare complication from her previous chemotherapy. This type of cancer, coupled with a FLT3 gene mutation, made her condition more aggressive and challenging to treat.
A Sister’s Heroic Act
The Gilley family faced a daunting reality—Sharelle’s best chance of survival was a bone marrow transplant. In a stroke of luck amidst their despair, her 10-year-old sister, Shantia, was a perfect match, and she didn’t hesitate to step up. “Yes, yes, yes, I want to. I’m going to save her,” she declared.
In late June, Sharelle and her mother, Joanna Williams, traveled to Sheffield Children’s Hospital for the transplant process. After conditioning chemotherapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, the family faced another tough decision. With high levels of leukemia cells still present, the transplant was risky. Despite the odds, though, they decided to proceed.
The Transplant Procedure
Two weeks later, Shantia joined Sharelle at the hospital for the procedure. Both sisters spent hours in surgery, with Shantia donating her bone marrow to give her younger sister a fighting chance. The operation went smoothly, and Shantia returned home to recover. Sharelle remains in the hospital, continuing her battle against the disease.
Family Support And Fundraising
The financial burden of traveling between hospitals and covering Sharelle’s treatment has been significant for the family. A fundraiser has been launched to help with these costs and any additional needs Sharelle may have during her recovery.
Joanna, speaking of Shantia’s bravery, said, “She’s really come through like a superstar. For a 10-year-old to make a big decision like that is immense. And Sharelle has been courageous for the last five years, enduring and battling things no child should have to.”
Hope And Uncertainty
Sharelle’s journey is far from over. She will undergo a crucial test later this month to determine the success of the transplant. The family remains hopeful, cherishing every moment they have together. Joanna explained, “We are hopeful for more time, as more time is precious. Sharelle’s form of leukemia carries a high risk of recurrence, but we are focused on the present.”
Despite the hardships, the Gilley family remains united in their fight, drawing inspiration from Sharelle’s resilience and Shantia’s selfless act of love.
References:
Wales Online: Little girl saves her sister’s life with amazing act
GoFundMe: Courageous child facing her second battle to cancer
Be The Match: Donate Marrow or Blood Stem Cells
Mayo Clinic: Leukemia
Healthline: FLT3 Mutation and AML