(WATCH: Tammy McLash’s battle with cancer captured the hearts of Canadians. Now, her husband shares an incredible update. Su-Ling Goh has the details.)
EDMONTON – The story of Tammy McLash and her young family touched the hearts of many Canadians, and Monday, they shared the great news that she’s been matched with a stem cell donor.
Tammy is a 38-year-old mother of twin toddlers who has been separated from her children and husband while she battles acute myeloid leukemia in hospital.
She was diagnosed in August and immediately admitted to the University of Alberta Hospital to start her first round of chemotherapy. She’s already had two rounds of chemo – which were unsuccessful – and is now on her third round. Ultimately, she needs a stem cell transplant.
Since that time, she’s only been able to see her two-year-old twins for half an hour a day.
READ MORE: Alberta mother battling leukemia desperately searching for stem cell match
On Monday, her husband Mat shared that a matching stem cell donor had been found.
“This has been the most amazing few days for Tammy!” he said in an email.
“We don’t know anything about her donor yet (age, gender or nationality) but we’ll learn more very soon. We just know what we have a match and the transplant will be happening in Calgary in December!
“Tammy’s body must be internalizing all this positive news.
“Although this round of chemo is by far the strongest dosages and it was initially the most challenging, she’s only eight days in and she’s already eating well and exercising at the hospital.
“We know that she’ll be in remission after this round. She’s so confident, so strong and so excited about being given the gift of a second chance at life.”
Mat said people have been so supportive of the family, dropping off meals, offering accommodations in Calgary, and childcare help.
When the family found out Tammy would need a stem cell transplant, they appealed to the public to consider becoming a donor through One Match.
WATCH: Public response to the McLash family’s story
“Please, please, let people know that Tammy asks that everyone please continue to register as stem cell donors and to donate blood,” said Mat in the email.
“The needs are so great and it’s working.
“Amazing Albertans, and so many great Canadians need to keep coming together because we’re saving lives!”
The transplant is scheduled for December, but Mat says it still may be another three or four months until the kids can be reunited with their mom full-time.
To find out more about becoming a stem cell donor, visit OneMatch.ca.
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