Teenager gets lifesaving stem cell transplant at NIH, just in time for the holidays

WASHINGTON, D.C. — 13-year-old Emi Ballard is feeling lots of gratitude this thanksgiving.

“I’m thankful for this (hematopoietic stem cell) transplant that I just got,” said Emi.

Her health has been improving, since she arrived at the National Institutes of Health’s Children’s Inn, in August.

Emi, who was born in Belize has had medical issues since she was a child.

Her parents Katie Ballard and Jason Ballard adopted her, when she was two years old and in need of care for chronic skin and lung infections.

“We always knew that there was something missing with her immune system,” Ballard said.

It wasn’t until last year that they realized the cause of many of her issues.

“June 28, 2018, we got the firm diagnosis of Dock 8,” Katie said.

“Dock 8” is a rare immune deficiency that leaves children at risk for recurring infections, allergies and more.

“If I still had Dock 8, which I don’t now. I would develop cancer and I wouldn’t make it into my twenties,” Emi said.

Thanks to doctors at NIH and a special donor, she completed the lifesaving transplant.

Katie tracked down Emi’s biological mom, in Belize, who turned out to be a match after searching for months.

The two had stayed in contact, since Emi left Belize.

“The fact that I was jumping on a plane, was because I felt like I was racing against time,” Katie said.

“There’s such a deficit for African-American, Asians and Hispanics,” Jason said.

Emi is still being monitored by doctors.

“Right now this time of year everyone keeps saying ‘what do you want for Christmas?’ We got it,” Katie said.

Click here to learn more about Emi’s story.