A 10-year-old boy who donated stem cells to save his father battling leukemia has touched many with his courage and love.
Sadly, the story ended in heartbreak after the father later died from severe complications following the transplant.
The boy, Leong Kun Xuan (transliteration), had volunteered to donate stem cells to his father Leong Chun Hao (transliteration), a single parent who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Their story drew widespread support from the public, with many moved by the young boy’s determination to save his father.
Father diagnosed with leukemia while working overseas
As reported by China Press, Chun Hao, who was 29 at the time of his diagnosis, had been working as a translator for a logistics company in the Philippines.
In August last year, he began experiencing frequent dizziness, breathlessness, fever and blurred vision.
Medical tests later revealed that cancer cells had spread aggressively in his body, with doctors finding that 75% of his blood cells were cancerous.
Doctors informed him that a bone marrow transplant was his only chance of survival.
After undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy, doctors began searching for a suitable donor. Following compatibility tests, they discovered that the best match was his own son, who was living in Ipoh.
10yo son steps forward to save his father
Without hesitation, Kun Xuan agreed to donate stem cells to his father.
To prepare for the procedure, the boy had to endure four consecutive days of injections to stimulate stem cell production in his body.
He later underwent two peripheral blood stem cell collection procedures under general anaesthesia. Although the process was physically demanding, Kun Xuan remained strong throughout.
The touching story of the father and son quickly spread, prompting many members of the public to step forward and help.
RM60,000 raised in under two hours
The Bukit Mertajam-based charity organisation One Hope Charity launched a fundraising campaign to cover Chun Hao’s medical costs.
The response was overwhelming. In just 1 hour and 48 minutes, the public successfully raised RM60,000 needed for the treatment and stem cell procedures.
According to the charity’s chairman Datuk Cai Rui Hao, the story reflected the deep bond between father and son and the compassion of the public.
With the funds secured, Kun Xuan successfully completed the stem cell collection procedures, allowing the transplant process to move forward.
Chun Hao later underwent the bone marrow transplant after completing intensive chemotherapy as part of the pre transplant treatment.
The procedure was successfully carried out and he entered a critical observation period in hospital. During this time, doctors closely monitored his condition to ensure his body accepted the transplanted cells and to prevent infections.
The charity also urged the public to continue praying for his recovery as he entered the most important stage of the treatment.
Dies after suffering severe complications
Despite the transplant being completed, tragedy struck soon after.
During the observation period following the transplant, Chun Hao developed serious complications. Despite the medical team’s efforts to save him, he ultimately succumbed to the illness and passed away on Sunday night (Mar 8).
Following his passing, One Hope Charity issued a statement on Facebook on behalf of the family to thank everyone who had supported the father and son throughout their journey.
The organisation expressed deep appreciation to those who had donated, prayed, shared the story and offered words of encouragement.
May Chun Hao rest in peace. The deepest love between this father and son will always remain in everyone’s hearts.”
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