'A gift that means everything' - Toddler in the Midlands receives life saving transplant

A little girl from the Midlands has received a life-saving stem cell transplant, cementing a huge step in her long journey.

Robyn Neville Quinn from Portarlington, Laois, suffers from the rare and life-threatening genetic disorder, Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS).

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a rare genetic immunodeficiency that keeps a child's immune system from functioning properly. It also makes it difficult for a child's bone marrow to produce platelets, making a child prone to bleeding.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome primarily affects boys so for little Robyn to be diagnosed with this condition is incredibly rare; one in one billion.

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Since birth, Robyn has faced numerous health challenges and her family has struggled financially, so they started a GoFundMe which has since raised nearly €30,000.

In an update on their donation page, Robyn's family have shared the amazing news that she has now received her life-saving transplant and the brave little girl is showing "incredible strength".

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The update reads,

"Hi everyone,

"Robyn has now received her life-saving stem cell transplant over two transfusions—the first on 10/01/25 and the second today. This is a huge step forward in her journey. 

"We are endlessly grateful to the donor who made this possible—it’s a gift that means everything to us.

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"The past week has been incredibly challenging. Robyn endured 8 days of intense chemotherapy to prepare for the transplant, and she’s already feeling its effects. She’s been tired and uncomfortable, and we know her hair will start to fall out soon—a tough reality to face.

"Despite all of this, Robyn continues to show her incredible strength.

"Now begins a critical waiting period as we hope her body accepts the new stem cells and they begin to work. There’s still a long road ahead, and we’re taking it day by day.

"Please keep Robyn in your thoughts as she enters this next stage of her recovery."

You can donate to Robyn's GoFundMe Here