Recent Transplant Recipient is "Thriving at Home" CBR Brings New Hope to Vernezos Family

It began with a cluster of six small, red dots –each no bigger than a freckle.

The dots appeared on 1-year-old Christos Vernezos’chest and neck areas, just two weeks after hisone-year checkup with his pediatrician. The red dots eventually disappeared but were soon replaced with new ones. Alarmed, Christos’ parents returned to the pediatrician, who ordered a blood test. Within minutes, the family was informed that Christos’ platelet count was far below normal.

Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact problem proved to be a challenge. Christos was initially diagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a treatable autoimmune disorder. However, when Christos didn’t respond to treatment, doctors began searching for other answers.

Three bone marrow biopsies and several platelet transfusions later, 16-month old Christos was finally diagnosed with a particularly rare and dangerous form of leukemia. Christos immediately began chemotherapy, while the family searched public donor banks for a possible stem cell match.

When Christos’ mom, Paula, discovered she was pregnant just a few months later, the family was elated – particularly when tests revealed that the new baby was a perfect match for Christos. Ioannis “Yanni” Vernezos was born on March 28, 2007, and his cord blood was immediately collected and shipped to CBR under our designated transplant program (DTP).

“We received a call from CBR when we arrived home,” Paula recalled. “To our astonishment, we were told that 12 times the necessary number of stem cells had been collected! My husband and I sensed divine intervention.”

Christos received a transplant of his baby brother’s stem cells in May. Since then, his family has seen a slow, steady improvement in his health, and doctors continue to regularly monitor his progress.

“Christos and Yanni are thriving at home. They amuse each other all day,” Paula said. “We are thankful for every precious second we have with them.”