2-year-old sister becomes perfect bone marrow match for Utah girl with aplastic anemia

Emma Meline (Image Credit: GoFundMe) A Utah family’s difficult medical journey took an emotional turn when young Emma Meline was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia just days before Christmas, and about two months later, the family learned that her 2-year-old sister was a perfect bone marrow match. According to a GoFundMe fundraiser organised by Emma’s mother, Amanda Meline, Emma began experiencing concerning symptoms on December 21, 2025, and was soon diagnosed with bone marrow failure and severe aplastic anemia. The family later learned that Emma’s younger sister, Lucy, could donate the marrow needed for her transplant.A sudden diagnosisEmma’s health concerns began shortly before Christmas 2025. Her parents noticed symptoms that worried them, prompting a visit to her pediatrician. She was then sent for further testing and biopsies, which led to a diagnosis of bone marrow failure and severe aplastic anemia.The condition affects the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones responsible for producing blood cells. In people with aplastic anemia, the marrow does not make enough new red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. As a result, patients can become vulnerable to infec...