By Bjorn Trautwein
Little Alea celebrates her third birthday on July 11th. But instead of presents, the little girl from Reinickendorf only wants one thing: to finally get well.
In September last year, Alea (2) fell ill with acute leukemia – blood cancer! “Her gums were very swollen,” says father Maurice (28) to the BZ, “first the dentist said we should clean better. But when she kept complaining about stomach pains, we went to the hospital.” There, the doctors made the terrible diagnosis.
“The first few days were a shock,” says the trained glazier, who works as a self-employed craftsman. “But she’s a huge fighter,” he emphasizes proudly, “she endured everything and didn’t let it get her down.”
Her parents explain to her that the medication is a magic that can make her healthy again.
The first chemotherapy was successful. Alea was allowed to celebrate Easter at home. But then the cancer came back far too quickly. She got a bump on her head and complained about stomach pains again. “The doctors immediately told us that we needed a stem cell donation,” says Father Maurice, “that’s the only way they can save our child.”
Everyone hopes that little Alea will soon recover and be able to play as carefree as before the illness Photo: DKMS
But that is particularly complicated. Because Maurice has Afro-American roots, his father was stationed in Berlin as a US soldier and met his mother here. Alea’s mom Nura (27) came to Berlin from Syria 20 years ago.
This combination gives Alea very rare genetic traits, making the search for a genetic twin all the more difficult. the DMMS has published leaflets in English and Arabic, hopes for many reports, especially from this community.
“We just want to see our child grow up,” says Alea’s mom, Nura. “The more people register, the better the chances of survival. Please help!”
Anyone between the ages of 17 and 55 can help Alea and find out about www.dkms.de/alea get typed.
