Prepare thyself for a strong dose of perspective

If you're a regular Positive DONUT sub, you're probably used to stories beginning on a dark note... and this one is no different. Today's Sweet Spotlight starts in May 2021, when thirteen-year-old Alyssa was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

The aggressive cancer caused the British teen's T-cells to grow out of control, turning what should have been her immune system's protectors into her body's attackers. And to make things worse, Alyssa's body didn't respond to chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants – both of which are typical treatments for her illness.

Hope was growing dim. "Eventually [I know] I would have passed away," said the brave teen.

🌄 But then came the dawn. Her doctors decided to seize an opportunity for an experimental treatment they thought could help; Alyssa would be the first person in the world to ever receive it. 

She said yes. And six months later, her whole life has changed.

👩‍🔬🤓 Let's get sciencey... Base editing is an experimental treatment fairly new to the field of medicine; it was only invented about six years ago.

Alyssa's team of doctors at Great Ormond Street decided she would be the perfect candidate for this treatment, which involves altering single strands of genetic code to restructure rogue T-cells (here's some more info about how it works). 

• At the time of her treatment, Alyssa was the first ever patient to undergo base editing. Now, she's one of ten. 

🥳 Dark beginning, bright ending: Six months later, there's not a single bit of cancer in the teen's body. Alyssa has been declared in complete remission.

• "You just learn to appreciate every little thing," she told the BBC. I 'm just so grateful that I'm here now... It's just amazing I've been able to have this opportunity, I'm very thankful for it and it's going to help other children, as well, in the future." 
• Alyssa shared she is looking forward to being a bridesmaid in her auntie's wedding, getting back on her bike, going back to school and "just doing normal people stuff." 

Now that's a win in my book 🥰.