This is the moment a seven-year-old leukaemia sufferer is given a hero’s welcome in his hometown after successfully undergoing a bone marrow transplant.
Last week, little Bautista, 7, was filmed returning home from hospital in the municipality of Calchaqui in the north-eastern Argentine province of Santa Fe.
According to local media, Bautista was diagnosed with leukaemia three years ago after complaining of a high fever and bone pain and undergoing several tests.
His father was the bone marrow donor during the recent procedure and little Bautista was allowed to return home after fully recovering from the transplant, according to reports.
Credit: Newsflash/Calchaqui Enelmundo
The boy’s proud parents Matias and Aneley thanked the for-profit organisation Mateo Esquivo Foundation for their help during the ordeal.
Matias said: “Our hearts are with the Mateo Esquivo Foundation for all the support they give us parents and children. We have spent Christmases, Mother’s Days, Father’s Days and Children’s Days there, and they always took great care of us, allowing us to use their facilities.”
Last week, Bautista was told that he had finally recovered and could go home.
His neighbourhood was filled with balloons and posters as neighbours flocked to welcome the boy home.
Kid posing with his mum 
Kid posing with his dad
In the footage, emotional family members and neighbours are seen throwing the boy a homecoming party.
Matias said: “All the neighbours were clapping and crying tears of joy, it was spectacular.”
He also stressed the importance of donating blood and bone marrow: “It is a very simple procedure that can save many lives, everyone should be aware.”
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Amanda Morales, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
