In December 2025, tragedy struck the family of 17-year-old Broeden Sabin from Fall River, Massachusetts, when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a swift and aggressive blood cancer. As his health deteriorated, Broeden faced an immediate need for a life-saving stem cell transplant, yet as his mother, Kerynn Morss, revealed, locating a compatible donor has proven to be a challenging endeavour, primarily due to Broeden’s unique genetic profile.
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Broeden’s health issues began when he experienced unusual fatigue in late November 2025. The previously energetic high school senior, who enjoyed extreme sports like snowboarding and BMX riding, found himself exhausted after simple tasks. Concerned, Kerynn took her son to the paediatrician for blood tests. Alarmingly, the results indicated a dangerously low white blood cell count, prompting an immediate referral to a hematologist at Boston Children’s Hospital. Unfortunately, by the time they received the diagnosis of leukaemia, they had barely made it home from the initial appointment.
Describing the event as “horrifying,” Kerynn recounted how she was informed of the critical diagnosis by the specialist just before pulling into her driveway. On receiving the news, she immediately called her father, who drove the pair back to the hospital for urgent treatment. Broeden’s condition was classified as one of the more aggressive variants of acute myeloid leukaemia, with doctors noting that it had swiftly invaded his body.
Following his admission, Broeden began chemotherapy treatment the day after Christmas, and it was anticipated that he would remain in hospital for the remainder of his senior year. While undergoing treatment, he continues to stay on track with his studies through online coursework.
Initially, the outlook for finding a stem cell match appeared positive. However, doctors soon discovered that Broeden has two rare gene fusions, making him a unique case. This unfortunate reality meant that common solutions were not available, as his mother, Kerynn, was unable to serve as a donor due to her autoimmune condition. Broeden’s aunt, Kallie Morss Reardon, a medical laboratory scientist, also stepped up to be tested, but she too was not a match.
Given the circumstances, Kerynn intensified her efforts to find a potential donor. On February 12, 2026, the family hosted a stem cell donor drive where they successfully registered 200 potential donors with DKMS (formerly known as Delete Blood Cancer). Meanwhile, an online link was established, prompting encouraging responses from the community, with over 1,000 prospective donors signing up within weeks.
The quest for a match has not only mobilised family members and friends but has also highlighted the importance of donor registration in the broader fight against leukaemia. “This isn’t just for me,” Kerynn stated with conviction. “I’m fighting for everybody.” Each time a new person registers to help, Broeden’s spirits are lifted. “It gives him so much hope,” Kerynn added, emphasising the impact of community support.
Throughout this ordeal, Broeden’s family remains unwavering in their commitment to be there for him during his treatment. His grandfather, Dana Morss, has taken on the role of staying by Broeden’s side at the hospital when Kerynn is unable to. Broeden has now completed his second round of chemotherapy, with further tests scheduled to assess if he’s reached a stage of remission that would allow for a stem cell transplant when a matching donor is found.
As their search continues, the family is not only focusing on Broeden but also aims to assist others grappling with similar medical challenges. Plans are already underway for another donor drive on February 28, and the family hopes to make such events annual occurrences to promote awareness and potentially save lives. “We want the chance for as many people’s lives to be saved,” Kerynn asserted, driven by the belief that every individual, regardless of age, is deserving of life-saving treatment.
To bolster their efforts, a GoFundMe page has been initiated to support the family with the financial burdens arising from Broeden’s extensive medical treatment. As they navigate this challenging journey, both Kerynn and her family remain hopeful that community involvement will enable them to find a donor and increase awareness about the critical need for stem cell registries.
In times of such crisis, the resilience and determination of families like the Sabins serve as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community solidarity and the essential role of donor registration in the fight against life-threatening illnesses.