When Lily Thomas was just nine years old, she became a heroine by saving her baby sister’s life.
Ava, just five months old, was diagnosed with MPS 1 Hurler syndrome, a genetic condition where a person’s body fails to make a particular enzyme that breaks down long chains of sugar – in this case, glycosaminoglycans – after they enter the body. These sugar chains then build up, damaging organs and joints.
In order for Ava to survive, she would need a bone marrow transplant.
Ava had already been born premature and suffered from whooping cough when she was just four weeks old. Her immune system and body would need all the support it could get – which meant receiving a bone marrow transplant as soon as possible.
The Thomas parents immediately went to get tested, and had their three older children tested as well. “We just didn't expect it, we tested all the kids - we got the two boys as well - and for Lily to be a match was just amazing,” they admitted.
When doctors and others began to commend Lily for her heroic act, she simply said, “I just was very happy I could help her.”
Both girls are recovering well from the procedure, though Ava’s “still got a fair bit to go with all the skeletal issues, but she’s doing well.”
You can watch an interview clip of the family here:
