Newborn Amelia Topas Battles Two Rare Cancers

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, newborn Amelia Topas was diagnosed with two rare cancers shortly after her birth on November 27, 2017. Born a healthy 6 pounds 12 ounces, Amelia's parents, Kerri Paton and Igor Topas, were overjoyed to welcome their daughter into the world. However, their happiness was short-lived when a midwife noticed unusual purple spots covering Amelia's body.

Doctors initially suspected birthmarks, liver issues, or a rare condition called blueberry muffin syndrome, which can be linked to leukemia. After a series of medical examinations, including an ultrasound, lumbar puncture, and MRI, the devastating diagnosis was confirmed: Amelia had acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. "Once she was in my arms I just cried. I was so happy. I didn't notice anything. The midwife noticed the spots all over her and went to get a doctor," Kerri recalled.

Why this matters: This rare case highlights the importance of early detection and medical attention in newborns, as timely intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Moreover, Amelia's story underscores the need for continued research intorare childhood cancers to improve diagnosis and treatment options.

At just three weeks old, Amelia began chemotherapy treatment, followed by a bone marrow transplant. After eight grueling months, she was declared in remission. Kerri and Igor welcomed a second child, Oscar, in October 2018, hoping to restore a sense of normalcy to their family. Tragically, their relief was short-lived, as Amelia relapsed with acute myeloid leukemia just six months later.

Undeterred, Amelia underwent another round of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant using a US-sourced umbilical cord. "Watching your kid sick - it was horrible," Kerri shared. "It [the transplant] went smooth sailing." Miraculously, Amelia pulled through and has been living cancer-free for the past five years.

Now six years old, Amelia is a vibrant and strong-willed child, albeit with some speech delays. "She's just so funny. She's fiercely independent. She's very strong-willed. She looks like a normal child now,"Kerri described. The family, including Amelia's younger brother Oscar, now enjoys a newfound sense ofnormalcyin their hometown of Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Amelia's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of modern medicine. Her story, while harrowing, offers hope to families facing similar challenges. As Kerri poignantly stated,"We got quite lucky that she was so young. She's so young she won't remember. Even though she went through cancer, her story doesn't end there."

Key Takeaways

• Newborn Amelia Topas diagnosed with 2 rare cancers: acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.
• Diagnosis made after midwife noticed unusual purple spots on her body.
• Amelia underwent chemo, bone marrow transplant, and stem cell transplant to achieve remission.
• Now 6, Amelia is cancer-free, albeit with some speech delays, and living a normal life.
• Her story highlights importance of early detection and medical attention in newborns.