Demi Butler has been hit with the heartbreaking news that her body is rejecting her sister’s bone marrow donation.
The incredibly brave 11-year-old from Ellesmere Port is determined to fight the cancer after her eight-year-old sister, Ellie, made a remarkable decision to help save her life.
Following a vital bone marrow transplant on November 3, which was Demi’s only hope of survival, she is currently in isolation as part of the process.
Ten days into the transplant, it was hoped Demi’s body would begin to accept Ellie’s stem cells.
However, after developing a painful rash in the last couple days, Demi has received the news she did not want to hear and has been diagnosed with stage three graft versus host disease (GVH) meaning her body is fighting off Ellie’s donated stem cells.
Despite the setback and even more drugs being pumped into her body, the inspirational young girl continues the fight with a smile on her face and is adamant to overcome another devastating knock-back.
By Friday, (November 18), Demi is expected to find out whether her younger sister’s bone marrow is enough to cure the disease.
Her uncle, Darren Butler said: “The professor has been to see Demi and explained she has now had every possible side effect there is with bone marrow transplant procedure.
“Her road to recovery is not easy but with every smile and her strength and courage, she will reach the end of treatment before we know it.
“These long, hard, dark days will forever be a memory of her strength, determination and courage.
“Demi’s isolation period will remain in place longer than we anticipated due to her complications and risks of infection.
“My employer, Regatta, has given me a week off this week to relieve my mum at her bedside.
“The days and nights are long and hard, especially as smells of food make Demi sick so you cannot even eat in the room.
“I would like to thank them for being so understanding with the circumstances and giving me this week off to be at Demi’s bedside and also to help the family at such a hard time.”
Demi’s mum, Sam Butler, said: “I couldn't be anymore proud of Demi with the way she has taken on each step of her journey.”
