Toddler Robyn undergoes life-saving transplant

A BELOVED toddler is taking her first fragile steps on the road to recovery, following a life-saving stem cell transplant at the weekend.

A critical waiting period has just begun for parents Meagan Quinn and Adam Neville, both from Portarlington, Co Laois, as their daughter Robyn Neville-Quinn (1) recovers from the transplant that was her only chance of survival.

Robyn went through eight days of intensive chemotherapy before the transplant, which was carried out over two transfusions on Friday and Saturday.

Meagan said on Saturday: ‘The past week has been incredibly challenging. Robyn endured eight days of intense chemotherapy to prepare for the transplant and she’s already feeling its effects. She’s been tired and uncomfortable and we know her hair will start to fall out soon, a tough reality to face. Despite all of this, Robyn continues to show her incredible strength.’ 

In the update on the ‘Robyn’s Journey’ fundraising page, Meagan added: ‘‘This is a huge step forward in her journey. We are endlessly grateful to the donor who made this possible - it’s a gift that means everything to us.

‘Now begins a critical waiting period, as we hope her body accepts the new stem cells and they begin to work. There’s still a long road ahead and we’re taking it day by day. Please keep Robyn in your thoughts as she enters this next stage of her recovery.’ 

The transplant had to be postponed in December as Robyn came down with an infection after a medical procedure. The 19-month-old, who has an extremely rare genetic disorder, suffered severe pain while a medical team battled to bring the infection under control.

The fundraising page, which was set up by Robyn’s grandaunt Pamela Quinn from Bracknagh, Portarlington, has raised £29,261 of its £50,000 target to help the family, as they keep vigil by Robyn’s bedside in a London hospital.

Robyn has the rare life-threatening genetic disorder Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) and has battled serious medical issues since birth.

Both aged in their mid-20s, Meagan and Adam moved to Belfast more than seven years ago but have a large extended family in Portarlington, including Meagan’s mother Sabrina Moran who lives at Cathair na gCapall.

A past-pupil of Coláiste Iosagáin, Adam has to take regular time off work due to Robyn’s medical needs, while Meagan had to give up work to care for her daughter full-time.

Fortunately, Robyn's treatment will be covered by the NHS, so any money collected will go towards flights, accommodation, meals and everyday costs.

Even if the transplant is successful, there is still a long journey ahead for the family as the projected timescale for the operation, treatment and recovery is six to 12 months, or possibly longer if any complications arise.