Summary
Two twin sisters, Caitlin and Grace Leggett, discovered they are identical twins after Caitlin was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. The discovery complicated Caitlin's treatment because identical twins have very similar DNA, and Grace could not donate her stem cells as initially planned. The sisters are now seeking more stem cell donors.
Key Facts
- Caitlin and Grace Leggett thought they were fraternal twins but found out they are identical when Caitlin was diagnosed with cancer.
- Identical twins come from a single fertilized egg that splits, while fraternal twins come from two different eggs.
- Caitlin has acute myeloid leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells.
- Initially, doctors thought Grace could donate stem cells to Caitlin, but their identical DNA made it unworkable.
- The sisters were registered as stem cell donors with DKMS, a donor registry.
- Caitlin's planned stem cell transplant was canceled, and doctors are looking for other donors.
- The sisters are encouraging more people to join the stem cell donor registry to help others like Caitlin.
