Media Release

Preston family celebrate life after bone marrow transplant

Preston resident Jen Hanrahan told her story of caring for husband, Matt, after his bone marrow transplant, at the launch of Celebrating Life, a book marking the 20th anniversary of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at The Royal Melbourne Hospital today.

Jen's story, which is part of the book, gives an intimate insight into how a loved one's cancer diagnosis affects the entire family. She and Matt felt their world come crashing down when Matt was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2002.

A bone marrow transplant was needed and Matt's brother Chris proved to be a suitable donor.

At times caring for Matt meant Jen had to tend to his incessant vomiting and diarrhoea, and pry his eyes open in the morning, after they became glued shut as a result of severe conjunctivitis - side effects from the graft versus host disease that plagued him after his transplant.

Since the transplant, the Hanrahans have had a few scares, both major and minor, but Matt is now doing well and says despite all he has been through, this is the happiest he has been in his life.

There is no doubt that the cause of Matt's happiness is his and Jen's son Zachary, who was born last year.

"If I could go through all of that so I could have Zachie, I would do it again," Matt said.

The RMH bone marrow transplant unit is a unique and inspiring place where patients undergo extensive and long-term treatment under the care of a dedicated team of clinical and support staff.

Celebrating Life gives an extraordinary insight into the lives of people who have been affected by bone marrow transplantation. The book highlights that behind each patient, each family member and each staff member, there is a story to be told and shared.