Toddler who received bone marrow transplant from sister improving

CHARLOTTE — A 3-year-old boy is slowly getting better nearly a month after undergoing a bone marrow transplant.

Brayden Monaco has a rare condition that would cause him to develop leukemia if not treated. In April his 5-year-old sister, Isabella Monaco, donated her bone marrow to help save her brother at Levine Children's Hospital.

PAST STORY: Sister, 5, donates bone marrow to help save brother, 3, with cancer

Doctors said there were no complications from the treatment.

Channel 9 talked to Brayden's father, Rob Monaco, about his son's progress Wednesday.

Twenty-eight days after his treatment Brayden's numbers are the following:

• White blood count is up
• Platelet count is slightly down
• Hemoglobin level is up
• Absolute Neutrafil Count (ANC) has significantly increased, from 200 to 1,100. Online sources say a normal ANC is between 3,000 and 5,000.

Family members are thrilled with his progress.

IMAGES: Brayden with sister, Bella

Rob Monaco said he is hoping Brayden's numbers stay stable. If so, his doctor will not have to order any more injections to stimulate Brayden's white blood cells.

Brayden is eating more each day and doctors are considering discharging him next week if his numbers stay stable and blood counts stay high.

"I am very excited for Brayden," Rob Monaco said. "I am so looking forward to getting Brayden home once he is good."

WSOC