Kai was just two years old when he was diagnosed with AML, which is notoriously difficult to treat. Kai's subtype (acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia) presented a very poor prognosis. His family has been raising funds for research into acute myeloid leukaemia in Kai's memory. Here, they share his story...
Early in 2015, at just two years of age Kai was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Despite fighting hard, never complaining or giving up he sadly passed away in January 2017 just a few weeks before what would have been his fourth birthday. We have decided to set up the #teamkai fund to raise money in his memory and help fund research into this rare form of blood cancer.
Kai was just two years old when he was diagnosed with AML. AML is notoriously difficult to treat and Kai's subtype (acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia) presented a very poor prognosis.
Following four rounds of chemotherapy Kai was sadly not in remission and in August 2015 underwent a stem cell transplant from an unrelated matched donor. Kai spent further time recovering and was discharged home in December 2015. But his journey was not over.
Kai's subtype of AML was extremely aggressive and in July 2016 he sadly relapsed.
For a second time Kai underwent another 4 gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and total body irradiation. It was decided that again to give Kai the possible chance to survive another stem cell transplant would be needed. This time of a registry comprised of 28 million people not one single person was a suitable match for Kai. Kai's siblings had already been tested and neither were compatible. Kai's youngest brother born during his first round of treatment had his cord collected at birth incase of relapse and it was found he was a perfect match for his brother. In November 2016 Kai underwent his second transplant and was once again on the road to recovery.
Just a few days before Christmas 2016 doctors broke the news that the leukeamia had returned stronger than ever and there was nothing more that could be done.
Kai went home to spend time with all his loved ones and heartbreakingly lost his battle on 12th January 2017 surrounded by his closest family.
Kai was the most inspirational boy who has touched the hearts of 1000s. His spirit and tenacity is something we can all aspire to. Kai's legacy will go on, the impact he has made on others in his 3 years is more than some people can hope for in a lifetime. #teamkai will fight to ensure that what Kai endured was not in vain, that his memory and vivacity for life will continue.
So in memory of Kai we've established this fund with CCLG, dedicated to raising money for research into AML.
Make a donation to #teamkai
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Open an online fundraising page for #teamkai
Set up a regular Direct Debit donation to #teamkai
Kai's merchandise
News
Charity ball raises £10,000 in memory of Kai
Research projects funded
Investigating novel drug combinations for acute myeloid leukaemia
Studying the origins of childhood acute myeloid leukaemia to identify targets for kinder and more effective treatments
Fundraising pages
Text CCLGKAI to 70085 to donate £5.
CCLG will receive 100% of your donation. You may also be charged for one text message at your network’s standard or charity rate.
You can make a donation or pay in funds raised by cheque, payable to CCLG, to CCLG, Century House, 24 De Montfort Street, Leicester LE1 7GB. Please ensure you make it clear that the donation is for #teamkai so that your donation is allocated to the correct fund.
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