Marina to undergo stem cell transplant tomorrow morning

By Mary Dennehy

AFTER a number of bouts of chemotherapy, Tallaght mother Marina Jordan Killoran will undergo her long-wished-for stem cell transplant treatment tomorrow morning in a Chicago hospital.

As reported in The Echo, Marina (45), who grew up in Old Bawn, was diagnosed in 2010 with systemic scleroderma, a chronic, progressive and incurable auto immune disease which results in scar tissue building up on the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver.

Thanks to the generosity and support of people living in Tallaght and nationwide, Marina raised more than €130,000 in public donations for life-saving treatment and, on June 12, she travelled to Chicago for a form of stem cell treatment – which uses Marina’s own stem cells to reboot her system, improving some of the damage done to her organs.

Marina’s husband Alan, contacted The Echo this week from the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and confirmed that Marina will undergo her stem cell transplant in the morning (Tuesday, July 26).

Alan told The Echo: “Marina will remain in isolation for at least ten days after the transplant and only then will her doctor consider her release from hospital.

We’ll have to stay in Chicago for a further week or so [after she is released], in case of any complications.”

He added: “The treatment that she has received at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been magnificent.

“The nursing staff, doctors and everyone involved have been unbelievable, the level of professionalism has to be seen to be believed.”

“We both are extremely grateful to everyone who has helped get her here and remain forever in their debt.

“A huge thank you again to the community and the staff of The Echo for all their help and support.”

The Echo will have more in this Thursday’s edition on Marina’s progress.