00:00Ronnie, a one-year-old from Merseyside, was recently diagnosed with aplastic anemia after
00:06unusual bruising and bleeding prompted hospital visits.
00:10Initially suspected of having leukemia, he was transferred to Alderhey Children's Hospital
00:15where tests confirmed his bone marrow was only producing 5% of the amount of blood cells
00:21normal for his age.
00:23A bone marrow transplant is now considered his only chance of a cure.
00:27The family has partnered with the charity Anthony Nolan for the Register for Ronnie campaign,
00:31aiming to expand the stem cell register.
00:34Symptoms include fatigue, infections and bleeding, and cases in the UK number around 100 to 150 per year.
00:43Ronnie is continuing treatment with infusions and injections to stimulate marrow production.
00:47His family stresses the importance of early registration for people aged 16 to 30,
00:52noting that while a match may save their son, it could also save others with leukemia or similar disorders.
00:59Awareness campaigns aim to educate the public about aplastic anemia, which is relatively unknown despite its severity.
01:07Laura, Ronnie's mum, emphasises the community spirit here in Merseyside, encouraging participation from local residents.
01:14Volunteers receive a swab kit after registering, which can be returned by post once completed to join the national database.
01:20Anthony Nolan officials say public participation is essential as the registry relies on donations from younger adults
01:26to match patients awaiting transplants across the UK.
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