First Child To Receive CAR T-Cell Therapy Is 10 Years Cancer-Free

Emily Whitehead was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was 5 years old. After two years of unsuccessful chemotherapy and rapidly declining health, she became the first pediatric patient in the world to receive CAR T-cell therapy. Whitehead, along with her parents and doctor, joins the 3rd Hour of TODAY to celebrate 10 years of being cancer free.

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#Health #Leukemia #Cancer

[notasurfer]

Congrats to Emily for 10 cancer-free years! The work that the foundation is doing is tremendous.

[bottomsupbarmaid]

She is literally a beacon of hope for all families who have experienced car T cell therapy. My son had very little hope when he relapsed, but luckily he was the fifth child at his children’s hospital to receive this treatment and he hit his three year post car t anniversary a little over a month ago. We are so grateful to live in this time where he was given the treatment to keep him alive.

[biancahector]

My daughter was diagnosed at 3 did 2 years of chemo and went into remission. She relapsed 8 months later and did the reinduction, did a round of blinatoumamab and both failed her leukaemia was at 88% we had to make an end of life plan for her in case she didn’t make it to the car T cell therapy and she has now finished that the 3rd child in Australia to receive it and we just got her results today that she is again in remission I hope that her story turns out like this girls.

[oceanstaiga]

Congrats to Emily! A friend of mine relapsed with ALL and after an unsuccessful stem cell transplant received TCELL therapy as well, now they’re doing well too. Truly revolutionary therapy, I’m so glad that it exists.

[aniwahyas]

So glad she is doing alright. Praying that she continues to be healthy and cancer free!

[michellec]

Thanks to Emily and her courage, she paved the way for countless children around the world find options after a time where there are no options.

[kittygaillot]

Congratulations on being cancer free for 10 years! I hope and pray that you continue to be cancer free for the rest of your life, and go on to have a wonderful future ahead of you beautiful Emily! :-)

[sueallen]

She's a beautiful young lady I'm so excited that her parents took that opportunity to not only save her life, but the life of many. They should name it after her. Enjoy your life beautiful.

[emilirebeca]

Congratulations Emily for 10 years cancer free 💕 I’m a cancer survivor too 10 years cancer free 👍🏼😊

[kittykass]

I read her story on caring bridge when it was happening and was so scared that she was going to die. These parents are so brave and amazing to stop at nothing to save their daughter. What a group of amazing doctors for their lifesaving research. Best wishes to Emily. She is a lovely young woman and deserves the absolute best in life. She is an inspiration.

[rizwanchaudhry]

If anyone looking to get CAR T and can’t afford it please look into India, they recently started CAR T and it’s cheaper compared to west. I read that it costs 20-30, 000 dollars. But they are bringing it down to 10, 000 depending on the amount of patients. Hope my message reaches to people in need.

[vbowling]

Delighted to see this story. The Whiteheads are amazing. So happy for Emily and lovely to see her all grown up!

[leo]

she's a miracle, 11 years cancer free as of 10 May 2023, keep fighting!

[christinemcfarland]

I'm so glad it worked for this beautiful young lady. My mother got blood cancer from this treatment and is now fighting for her life.

[alohatvn]

That is an amazing story and outcome. Congratulations Emily.

[demilandry]

So beautiful girl
God bless her and her mom and dad

[MonsterMovementTV]

This is amazing! CONGRATULATIONS EMILY! I have Car T therapy in the near future and im looking forward to being CANCER FREE AGAIN!!!!

[acesin-etpp]

As a scientist in CAR T cell research, i am glad that it is giving hope, I would like ever cancer patient be lucky like Emily, but it breaks my heart to see lots of lives could be saved if were cost effective except for those companies that care more about money than saving lives.

[jacquelinemabel]

This is beautiful. Gives others and their family with similar diagnosis so much hope. Congratulations to this beautiful young lady and her family and thank you for spreading awareness of this new treatment. 🙏🏻💕

[Sierralovescharles]

This is great hope she has a full happy life