Purdue Football Player’s Bone Marrow Donation Saves Mother from Leukemia

A Purdue University football player has given his mother the ultimate gift. Winston Berglund donated his bone marrow to save his mother, Alicia, from leukemia. The successful January 2025 procedure has placed the Carmel, Indiana, mother in remission.

The family received the shocking diagnosis in September 2024. Alicia Berglund’s subsequent treatment led doctors to recommend a bone marrow transplant for a full recovery.

A Perfect Match Emerges from Family

The search for a donor began immediately. Family members were tested and international banks were scoured. Just before Christmas, a perfect match was found. It was her son, Winston.

Doctors often prefer younger, male donors for female recipients. The 51-year-old mother was overwhelmed. Winston, a sophomore linebacker, did not hesitate to help. He called the chance to be a perfect match incredibly slim.

Strength Forged Through Shared Adversity

The transplant took place on January 6, 2025. It was a complete success. Alicia Berglund remains in remission, undergoing regular check-ups. Her positive spirit never wavered throughout the ordeal.

Her son found her attitude inspiring. He said she was never sad, only determined to be a cancer survivor. Winston also leaned on his Purdue teammates for support during the difficult time.

The Berglund family’s story highlights the life-saving power of bone marrow donation. This act of love from a college athlete gave his mother a second chance. Their journey offers hope to countless families facing similar battles with leukemia.

Thought you’d like to know

What is a bone marrow transplant?

A bone marrow transplant replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy cells. These new cells help rebuild the patient’s immune system. It is a standard treatment for certain blood cancers like leukemia.

How does someone become a bone marrow donor?

Potential donors can join a registry like the National Marrow Donor Program. The process often begins with a simple cheek swab to determine tissue type. Doctors then search the registry to find matches for patients in need.

Who is an ideal bone marrow donor?

Doctors often seek donors under 45 years old for better cell quality. According to the Mayo Clinic, male donors are sometimes preferred for female recipients. A perfect match significantly increases the procedure’s success rate.

What is the impact of a bone marrow donation on the donor?

Most donors resume normal activities within a few days. The body typically replaces the donated marrow within a few weeks. The procedure is generally considered safe with minimal long-term effects for the donor.

Why are bone marrow matches sometimes hard to find?

Finding a match depends on highly specific genetic markers. These markers are inherited, so family members are the first candidates tested. For many patients, a matching donor must be found from a global registry.