Matt’s experience with Severe Aplastic Anaemia

In early 2022, 49-year-old Matthew Gibb was healthy, full of life, and excited as he prepared to start building his dream home.  Then, after noticing red spots covering half his legs, he got a blood test which led to an emergency hospital stay.  Days later, he was diagnosed with the Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome, Severe Aplastic Anaemia (SAA), one of the worst cases seen at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Following Matt’s diagnosis, he spent 62 days in hospital undergoing further tests, treatment and relied on blood transfusions to keep him alive. For months, he was in and out of hospital, often waiting days for critical platelets. In July 2023, an alternate therapy was made available requiring Matt to undergo a six-day treatment. His platelets began rapidly increasing and by October he was feeling much better. While his blood and iron levels are still carefully monitored, Matt has been able to start rebuilding his life.

“This diagnosis completely turned my life upside down.  I lost my job and had to move back in with my parents. The worst part was having to sell the land for my dream home to stay afloat.”

Although Matt is still trying to re-establish his life post diagnosis, he maintains a beautifully optimistic and positive attitude.  Matt has been an active member of the Maddie’s Vision Peer Support Group since it started, and every session he shares his positivity, inspiration and hope to the members.

“I just had to have faith that an answer would be found. You never know how much time you’ve got left, or if it will come back, so I stay positive and do what I can to help.  I love being part of the Peer Support Group, and try to make a difference and give hope to others going through the same thing.”

Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes affect people at all stages of life, and can often leave patients feeling overwhelmed, isolated and in need of support. The Maddie’s Vision Tele-Support Service and Peer Support Program are the only services available in Australia for patients and families living with these devastating conditions.