Rina Sy, Honored Hero

Rina Sy (aka 'Resilient Rina') is a 6-year old girl from San Diego, CA who in May 2013 was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia – Philadelphia Chromosome. ALL Ph+ is a rare and very aggressive version of ALL; only 5% of kids are diagnosed with this form of blood cancer. Though some standard treatments for leukemia may end with chemotherapy treatments, immediately following Rina's 3 rounds of chemo treatments and just 4 months after diagnosis, Rina underwent a bone marrow transplant after discovering that her brother Patrick, was a perfect marrow sibling match. It was later discovered after the transplant that Patrick's quantity of cells received by Rina were double the amount of new cells anticipated! "Powerful Patrick's" cells allowed for an amazing recovery forever bonding the two siblings stronger than ever imagined. The fight continues as Rina will stay on immunosuppressants for six months and daily chemo by pill in order to lessen future chances of relapse. Thanks to a wonderful medical team, cancer research, and especially her brave and powerful little brother Patrick, Rina has been gifted with a second chance in life.