Joy as stem cell op is a success for brave Eva
Evening Telegraph, June 3rd, 2009
Two years after a little girl underwent life-saving treatment for leukaemia, doctors have proclaimed the procedure a success.
Specialists have told Eva Winston-Hart's parents Amy and Dave that the five-year-old remains free of the cancerous cells which threatened to take her life.
Eva received a stem cell transplant and, because it is now two years since the procedure, doctors are almost certain Eva has beaten the disease.
The official 'all-clear' will not be given until 2011 - five years after Eva was diagnosed.
Eva's battle touched the hearts of people in north Northamptonshire after her grandmother, Diane Winston, of New Street, Rothwell, revealed her plight in the Evening Telegraph.
Numerous fundraising events were held to help the Market Harborough youngster.
The owner of Desborough Fish Bar, Alex Turigel, donated a day's takings to help her enjoy a holiday with her parents.
Eva's mum Amy said: "The transplant team always wait two years until they say it's a success. They have to take into account possible relapses.
"The specialist said she's never seen a relapse after two years with the type of leukaemia Eva had so that was fantastic news.
"Reaching that two-year mark means we can relax a little bit more knowing she's not going to be taken away at any minute."
Eva was just three when she was diagnosed in November 2006 with the extremely rare Philadelphia positive strain of leukaemia.
She underwent the stem cell transplant in May the following year after a worldwide search for potential donors found a match in blood from an umbilical cord stored in the USA.
Eva then battled bouts of gastro-enteritis and the effects of powerful drugs designed to help the cord blood create new bone marrow.
Her parents recently bought her a trampoline to help build her strength and stamina.
"I still have that lingering thought that it might come back - I don't think I'll ever get past that," said Mrs Winston-Hart.
"But we feel blessed for every day we've had with her since she was diagnosed.
"She's fit, happy and healthy and that's fantastic."