A mother from west London has issued a desperate and urgent appeal to find stem cell donors for her two young sons, hoping to grant them the opportunity to experience a normal childhood and a healthy future. Marcela Zberea, aged 29, is pleading with the public to register as potential donors to aid her sons, Cezar Nica, who is two years old, and David Nica, just ten months old.
Diagnosis of a Rare Genetic Disorder
Both boys have been diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS), an extremely rare and life-threatening genetic disorder that severely compromises the body's ability to fight off infections. This condition, which almost exclusively affects boys, occurs in approximately three out of every million individuals worldwide. It is caused by genetic errors located on the X chromosome.
Symptoms of WAS include easy bruising, persistent eczema, bloody diarrhoea, and prolonged bleeding from minor injuries or small scrapes. The disorder leaves those affected highly vulnerable to infections and other health complications.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Reality
"It was so much to take," Ms Zberea recounted, describing the moment both of her sons were diagnosed during the same medical appointment. "I had just given birth and David was a newborn in my lap. The doctors told us that a stem cell transplant is their only chance."
Currently, the boys lead "very restricted lives," as Ms Zberea explained. They are too vulnerable to attend playgroups or interact with other children, missing out on typical childhood experiences. Their mother expressed her deepest hope: "I just hope my boys get the chance to live long, happy lives. Right now, their lives are very restricted and they don't get to be like normal children."
The Search for a Matching Donor
Neither Ms Zberea nor the boys' father, Stelian Dorin Nica, aged 36, are a match for the necessary stem cell transplant. The family is now collaborating with the stem cell charity DKMS to launch a widespread campaign encouraging people to register as potential donors.
Particular emphasis is being placed on individuals with eastern European heritage, as genetic matches are more likely within similar ethnic backgrounds. However, the appeal is universal, as anyone could potentially be a match and save a life.
Urgent Call to Action from DKMS
Bronagh Hughes, a spokeswoman for DKMS, underscored the critical nature of the situation. "For Cezar, David, and so many other patients, the right stranger signing up to the register could be their only hope," she stated.
"It takes just a few minutes to register, but it could mean a lifetime for someone else. We urgently need more people to come forward, to help give these two young brothers, and others diagnosed with blood cancers or disorders, the future they deserve."
How the Condition Was Discovered
Cezar's health struggles began when he was just a few weeks old, presenting with dangerously low platelet levels in his blood. He underwent extensive medical testing to determine the cause, which eventually led to the diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome. Shortly after Ms Zberea gave birth to David, both brothers were diagnosed with the same condition during that fateful appointment.
Ms Zberea made a heartfelt plea to the public: "We are encouraging everyone to register as a stem cell donor, as anyone could be a match. You could save a life – maybe even one of our boys. A stem cell transplant could give them a chance at a normal life."
The family's campaign highlights the profound impact that a simple act of registration can have, offering hope to children like Cezar and David who face immense health challenges.
