By Sarah Gawthorne
Pictures: David Hahn. Make-up: Deanne Dority.
When Stephanie Martin’s sick sister needed help, she bravely volunteered, despite the risks.
Cradling her two-month-old baby boy in her arms, Stephanie Martin is clearly mesmerised by her tiny bundle. Steph’s sister Jessica sits by her side, and as the loving mum and devoted aunty coo over little Zelko Levi while he sleeps, they share a smile. Both are just happy that their family is safe and well after a health crisis almost ended in tragedy for them both.
Jessica, now 18, was 14 years old when she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
“I’d been sick with what I thought was the flu,” says Jess. “When I was diagnosed with leukaemia after some tests, I was terrified. My whole family was there to support me, including Stephanie.”
Jess needed a bone marrow transplant and her family were tested to see if one was a match. Stephanie, then just 16, was the only suitable donor.
“When I found out Jess was sick I just kept wishing it was me,” says Stephanie. “I’d have done anything to take away the pain she was in. When they said I could give her my bone marrow, I didn’t hesitate.”
After the painful operation, both the sisters recovered while their family waited to see if it had been a success.
“I was bruised and sore and couldn’t walk after the transplant,” says Stephanie. “But all I cared about was Jess. When we found out it had worked and she started getting better, I was so relieved.”
After months of recovery, Jess finally returned to school and, other than the odd check-up, life went back to normal.
“We’d always been close, but after going through that, we had a special bond,” says Steph.
Four years later, shortly before her 18th birthday, Jess started to feel unwell again.
“When the doctors said the leukaemia was back, I was devastated,” says Jess. “I could not face going through it again.”
To help The Children’s Hospital at Westmead call 1800 770 122 or visit www.chw.edu.au
Do you agree with Steph’s decision to risk her unborn baby’s life for her sister? Have your say below…
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