The Bone Marrow Transplant

8 Weeks ago, Gabriel received a bone marrow transplant. The transplant was a huge milestone, but involved a grueling process leading up to and coming out of it, and still 8 weeks later, Gabriel is fighting, albeit different obstacles.

Leading up to the transplant, Gabriel received the most intense chemo, radiation and other treatments to ensure that not one cancer cell remained and that all of his marrow was killed off. The objective of the transplant is that with none of his own, Gabriel's body would receive Jonah's marrow and it would 'engraft' or become his own. On June 6, Gabriel received Jonah's marrow. After 23 days with no marrow and no white blood cells, where he suffered infection, moderate to severe kidney failure, and other challenges, Gabriel engrafted. It was an exciting milestone! Later tests revealed that Gabriel's bone marrow was his brothers...good news!

Since Engraftment

Since engraftment, Gabriel has been feeling better and better and getting stronger. He is out of isolation, has had reunions with his siblings and shows signs of improvement everyday. His smile is as bright as ever. But, like everything with this fighter, the path is not linear but more 2 steps forward, 1 step back. Gabriel's kidneys continue to be monitored and are challenged, he has a lung infection that is concerning and still undiagnosed, and there are other symptoms that doctors are investigating and concerned about. While he feels well, Gabriel is not out of the woods.

Gabriel remains in the hospital and Nikki and Asaph continue to tag team coverage - one at home and one at Sick Kids. We are all hoping that the five Benuns are reunited under one roof soon and that Gabriel continues to get better and become stronger.

They still need our help!

This fundraiser was set up to support Nikki and Asaph and the entire Benun family financially and their need has not changed and if anything, has increased. They are still tag-teaming at the hospital and neither of them are working at this time. Help them support a full-time nanny and the additional childcare coverage they need. This will enable them to better focus on Gabriel's fight and not worry about the financial stress that comes with no fixed income.

https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/9s6Ia/ab/a42sZ7