12-06-2025
Mount Vernon teen undergoes bone marrow transplant, starting long road to recovery
Jun. 11—MOUNT VERNON, S.D. — While many teenagers are spending their summer break working part-time jobs or relaxing at the pool, 15-year-old Josie Trebil of Mount Vernon is beginning a summer of recovery.
She is undergoing a bone marrow transplant Thursday at Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital to treat severe aplastic anemia, a rare but serious blood disorder.
The procedure marks the start of what doctors refer to as "Day Zero," the beginning of a 100-day recovery process during which Trebil will remain in Minneapolis under close medical supervision. The transplant is considered the most effective treatment for severe aplastic anemia, which occurs when the bone marrow stops producing enough new blood cells. The condition increases the risk of fatigue, infection, and uncontrolled bleeding.
Trebil's medical journey began in April 2023 during a family vacation.
"She developed what looked like a rash," said her mother, Tera Tramp. "We saw our doctor as soon as we got home. Her blood levels were all low — dangerously low."
The family was sent to Sanford Children's Hospital in Sioux Falls, where leukemia was initially suspected but later ruled out. Further tests pointed to aplastic anemia. Over the next several months, Trebil received multiple blood and platelet transfusions and was placed on the bone marrow transplant list. Her condition briefly improved at the end of 2023, and she was removed from the list. However, after a hospital stay in January 2025 due to influenza A, her blood counts declined again, and a February biopsy confirmed a re-diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia.
"All her numbers began to tank and we were back at square one," Tramp said.
From January through June, Trebil has had more than 18 transfusions. She's had five bone marrow biopsies since April 2023. She has missed significant time at school, including parts of three academic years, and has had to sit out of the sports she typically plays — volleyball, basketball, and softball.
Because Trebil does not have siblings — who are typically first checked for a match — her doctors turned to the National Marrow Donor Program. In early May, a matching international donor was identified in Israel. The donor's marrow was collected overseas and flown to Minneapolis for Thursday's transplant.
"She just wants to be a normal teenager again," Tramp said. "We're grateful a match was found."
Trebil was admitted to the hospital on June 2 to begin intensive chemotherapy and radiation, which prepares her body to receive the donor's marrow. There will be a mandatory residence within 30 minutes of the hospital for at least 100 days post-transplant to monitor for complications.
"They compare transplant to being a newborn baby. She will come out with absolutely no immune system," Tramp said. "At about two weeks post transplant, her marrow will begin to produce white blood cells again. This is a long process and she will be very susceptible to sickness and there is always a risk of rejection."
After returning home, most of Trebil's follow-up care will take place at Sanford Children's Hospital in Sioux Falls. Her recovery is expected to take about six months, which makes her return to school uncertain due to the timing and the precautions still needed during flu and cold season.
"The problem with that is then we are in prime cold and flu season. And she will be without all of her immunizations," Tramp said.
One year after the transplant, Trebil will need to begin receiving all of her childhood immunizations again.
The impact on her daily life has been significant.
"Not being able to play softball this spring or volleyball in the fall is very hard for me," Trebil said.
Trebil has also been involved with Helping with Horsepower, a therapeutic riding program where she previously volunteered but is now also missing out on because the risks are too great.
"She's an avid horse lover," Tramp said. "My rough and tough cowgirl has been told she can't be rough — but they can't take the tough away."
One recent highlight: attending prom this spring, a rare moment of normalcy.
Support from both Mount Vernon and her previous hometown of Crofton, Nebraska has been steady. Fundraisers have included a euchre tournament, raffles, auctions, and a recent cornhole event. An account for donations has been set up at First Interstate Bank where Tramp works, and Main Street Treasures in Crofton will hold a benefit shopping day on June 18.
"The support we've received has been overwhelming," Tramp said. "It's really helped us get through this."
Tramp hopes Trebil's story encourages others to consider donating blood, platelets, or joining the bone marrow registry.
"When there's a shortage, it affects real people," she said. "We've waited at transfusions for blood to arrive from out of state. That's the reality."
While the road ahead includes precautions and adjustments, the transplant brings Trebil closer to resuming daily life — school, sports, and time with friends — on her own terms.
"I am ready for this to be over and for life to get back to normal," Trebil said.
