M'sian boy, 10, donates stem cells to save leukaemia-stricken dad, 30, who died from post-transplant complications

When his father was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2025, a 10-year-old Malaysian boy stepped up to be his stem cell donor through a bone marrow transplant.

It was the only way doctors said his father would live, he was told.

However, after the operation, his father succumbed to complications from the transplant and later died.

Leukaemia diagnosis

Leong Jun Hao, 30, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in August 2025, according to China Press.

He had sought medical attention for various symptoms, including dizziness, shortness of breath and fever while working in the Philippines, and tests found leukaemia cells in over 75 per cent of his body.

His condition was temporarily stabilised with six blood transfusions done in quick succession, but the high costs of treatment took a toll on him.

The single father had stopped working for months due to his illness and was already relying on financial assistance from family and friends.

Upon returning to Malaysia, Leong underwent two rounds of chemotherapy to reduce his cancer cell count, but doctors pointed out that a bone marrow transplant would be his only chance of survival.

10-year-old son stepped up

Leong's 10-year-old son, Leong Kun Xuan was deemed a suitable donor.

In preparation for the donation, the boy would need to receive injections to stimulate stem cell growth over four days and undergo two peripheral blood stem cell collections under general anaesthesia.

The entire transplant was reportedly estimated at more than RM300,000 (S$98,000). While some of the elder Leong's insurance covered part of the cost, his son's procedures had to be paid out of pocket.

A charity organisation, One Hope Charity and Welfare, offered to help raise the sum on Nov. 21, 2025.

In just under two hours, the pair's story, especially the younger Leong's filial piety, garnered over RM60,000 (S$19,422) in donations.

"Dad, don't be afraid. This time, I'll be your hero," he told his father before the pair underwent the donation on Nov. 28, 2025.

Complications

While Leong's transplant was originally considered a success, he developed complications during the observation period that followed.

He died on Mar. 8, 2026.

The charity organisation announced his death in a Facebook post on Mar. 11, stating that Leong "gave it his all every step of the way".

"He persevered, all for the simplest of wishes... to continue being there for his son as he grew up," the post wrote.

"Throughout this difficult journey, the family received tremendous care, blessings, and support from the public...this warmth from society meant a great deal to Jun Hao and his family.

May Jun Hao rest in peace. The deep love between father and son will forever remain in our hearts."

Top images via China Press