EXCLUSIVE: Fans of LEGO® Masters know contestant Gabby as a creative powerhouse, but her latest challenge is one of profound personal significance. The mother of two has embarked on a mission to donate over 30 blood transfusions, a gesture of gratitude towards the donors who played a crucial role in her son Alex’s fight against leukaemia.
It was during Gabby’s first appearance on LEGO Masters in 2021 that her son Alex was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at just two years old. The diagnosis came after months of cold and flu-like symptoms that initially seemed typical for a child in daycare.
From Symptoms to Diagnosis
Gabby recounted the long and challenging journey to diagnosis. “It took a long time for Alex to get diagnosed with leukaemia. He’d been having cold and flu symptoms for a couple of months,” she explained. The pandemic added another layer of complexity, as many GP appointments were conducted over the phone, making it harder to pinpoint the root cause of Alex’s health issues.
When Alex stopped walking after a minor fall and developed a rash that turned out to be blood blisters, Gabby knew something was seriously wrong. A visit to the children’s hospital confirmed her fears, and within hours, doctors diagnosed Alex with ALL.
The Role of Blood Transfusions
One of the immediate steps in Alex’s treatment was a blood transfusion, which Gabby described as transformative. “I remember just feeling ill but also it was a relief to know what was wrong and that there’s a treatment plan in place,” she said. Despite being the most common and often curable form of leukaemia, Alex’s treatment was both intrusive and intensive, requiring nearly 30 blood transfusions over two-and-a-half years.
The demand for blood is incredibly high, with a new blood donor needed every five minutes.
Gabby noticed an “immediate improvement in Alex’s general health” following his initial transfusions, underscoring the critical role these donations played in his recovery.
Life After Treatment
Now six years old, Alex has been post-treatment for almost two years. He’s thriving in school and enjoys a variety of activities, from building with LEGO to playing basketball. “He does love a LEGO session. Like most little boys, he’s a bit obsessed with Minecraft. He likes getting out into nature,” Gabby shared with a smile.
Alex’s older brother, Marcus, eight, shares his enthusiasm for technology and science, and the two boys enjoy playing together.
A third of us will need blood donations in our lives, but only one in 30 Australians donate blood.
Gabby’s Call to Action
While Alex’s health is on the upswing, Gabby remains acutely aware of the life-saving impact of blood donations. She’s urging Australians to consider donating blood, highlighting the altruistic nature of the act. “The thinking is always just, it can save someone’s life so why wouldn’t you?” she said.
Gabby has surpassed her goal, completing 34 blood donations. For her, donating blood was a way to contribute meaningfully during Alex’s treatment. “You feel so helpless as a parent, so to have something practical that you can do that feels like you’re helping the system or helping other people in the same situation get better, blood donation was a really useful and healthy way to feel more useful.”
As Gabby continues to advocate for blood donations, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of many. Her journey from a concerned mother to a proactive donor highlights the importance of community support and the life-saving potential of blood donations.
