In response to - Health of Sergeant’s Son? - posted by Hopeful, I contacted Detective Mark Saloio of the Sturbridge Police Department to obtain an answer to Hopeful’s question. The following response was provided by Detective Saloio:

Tom,
       
Here’s a quick update about Nick Mercier. He currently is in Mass Childrens’ Hospital-Boston, after having successfully undergoing a bone marrow transplant last Friday. He is doing well, all things considered, and Kevin and Traci Mercier want to extend a very grateful thankyou to everyone for their thoughts and prayers for Nick. As it turns out, Nick was a 100% match to his little brother Brayden, so the staff was able to obtain Nick’s transplant sample from his own brother!! That means there’s much less chance for any adverse reactions to the new marrow.

The next few weeks will be very much touch and go, as the medical staff are waiting for his cell numbers relating to his blood counts to rise…This, I am told, can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. During that time, Nick is EXTREMELY vulnerable to infections, and must remain in an essentially sterile environment. They had to completely erradicate all of his marrow prior to the transplant, so he’s been through quite a battle.

Please relay to anyone inquiring how grateful the Merciers and the Sturbridge Police are for their concerns and prayers. Also, if anyone would like, they can go to www.carepages.com, register (free), and log into nicholasmercier  (one word)…After registering and logging into Nick’s site, they can receive e-mail updates as to his conditions on just about a daily basis…..It’s a great way of keeping up with things, and the mercier family can see how many people log on….This also provides them with positive re-inforcement…..Please let me know if anyone needs any additional info…. thanks again on behalf of the Merciers and the Sturbridge Police.

Detective Mark Saloio