Alina, 15 years old
Diagnosis – Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia
Alina is 15 years old, a bright, active teenager whose life changed suddenly in the summer of 2025. What first appeared as fatigue and symptoms of anaemia quickly led to further investigations and a diagnosis no family is ever prepared for: acute myeloblastic leukaemia.
She was urgently admitted to the Dmitry Rogachev Centre in Moscow, where she began intensive treatment. Over the following months, Alina went through multiple rounds of chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Despite the challenges, she showed strength and determination, reaching her first remission in August. However, due to the risk of relapse, doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant as the next critical step.
Preparing for transplantation required complex and highly specialised treatment. To protect Alina from life-threatening complications, her doctors prescribed Defitelio a vital medication used to prevent severe liver damage following transplant. Thanks entirely to our generous supporters, Gift of Life was able to cover the full cost of 100 vials of Defitelio, totalling £50,168.
In November 2025, Alina underwent a stem cell transplant. The early post-transplant period was extremely difficult. She faced severe complications, and the effects of a weakened immune system. At times, her condition was critical, requiring intensive therapy, strong antibiotics, and constant medical care.
With time, and thanks to the care she received, her condition began to stabilise. Her transplant started to function, and gradually, her body began to recover.
Today, there is a moment of hope. Alina is in remission. She has returned home, reunited with her family and friends, and is slowly regaining her strength. After months in hospital, she is once again able to enjoy simple moments, being at home, spending time with loved ones, and looking ahead.
Her journey is a powerful reminder of how complex and fragile recovery can be, and how vital timely access to the right treatment is.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported Alina during this time. Your generosity helped ensure she received the care she needed at every stage of her treatment.
Because of you, Alina has been given a second chance and many more children are still waiting for theirs.