Teenage Daughter Saves Mother’s Life with Bone Marrow Transplant in Lviv

The Story of Kateryna and Nataliia Dzisiak

According to Главком: Kateryna Dzisiak, a 19-year-old from Ternopil, donated her stem cells to save her 45-year-old mother Nataliia, who was battling aplastic anemia. The bone marrow transplant took place in Lviv, and the patient has now been discharged from the hospital.

Nataliia Dzisiak was one of only 2–3 people affected by this rare condition. As her health deteriorated, she sought treatment in Lviv. Dr. Solomiia Hlukhovska explained the urgency:

“Nataliia needed a bone marrow transplant, but finding a donor was the biggest challenge. The donor needed to have 10/10 or 9/10 compatibility. An international registry identified a potential donor, but the wait would have taken months. We couldn’t afford that delay-Nataliia’s condition was worsening rapidly. She had a fungal infection in her liver, her immune system was nearly gone, and even a common viral illness could have been fatal.”

Her daughter Kateryna stepped in as the donor, with a 50% compatibility match. Before the procedure, Nataliia underwent chemotherapy. The transplant was performed using allogeneic haploidentical bone marrow transplantation, delivered through a simple infusion similar to a blood transfusion. Following the operation, Nataliia spent nearly three weeks in an isolated ward.

Life After the Transplant

Kateryna Dzisiak shared her emotions after the successful surgery:

“I’m so happy to finally see my mom smile again-it’s been missing for so long.”

As of the time of reporting, one month had passed since the transplant, and Nataliia is preparing to return home.

This case highlights the critical importance of stem cell donation, which can save lives in dire circumstances. Given the rarity of Nataliia’s condition, the role of close relatives in finding a donor proved vital. The successful transplant not only showcases the capabilities of modern medicine but also underscores the need for greater public awareness about donation.

This remarkable story of a mother and daughter underscores the life-saving potential of medical interventions in critical situations. Similarly, in another inspiring incident, Ukraine's emergency services utilized aviation for the first time since the invasion to save a newborn's life. These cases highlight the importance of timely action and innovative solutions in healthcare emergencies.