A Journey
of Healing
and Hope

How stem cells
helped change
one young life

Xander’s recovery shows
the true power of stem
cells — and how a decision
made at birth helped
change the course of his life.

A Journey of Healing and Hope

How stem cells helped change one young life

Xander Vermeulen’s recovery is a powerful example of what’s possible with modern stem cell therapy. After suffering a devastating arm injury, his family’s decision to bank his stem cells at birth became the key to his healing. Through CryoSave, expert surgeons, and his own resilience, Xander’s journey became one of hope, science, and strength.

Xander’s Stem Cell Journey

After a traumatic injury in 2020, Xander faced an uphill battle — multiple surgeries, failed skin grafts, and limited arm function. But because his parents had stored his stem cells with CryoSave a decade earlier, a new treatment path opened. Surgeons and specialists rallied behind him, offering their services pro bono. With a carefully planned two-stage reconstructive process and the support of his own stem cells, Xander made a full recovery.

Today, he’s back on the rugby field — stronger than ever.

“This story isn’t just about one boy. It’s about what stem cell therapy can offer all of us — a second chance, a better outcome, and a future full of potential.”

Xander’s Recovery Timeline

Explore key moments in Xander’s inspiring journey — from surgical prep to full recovery.

04 October 2023

Medical Team Joins Xander’s Journey

CryoSave helped assemble a group of leading medical professionals, all offering their expertise pro bono to support Xander’s recovery:

Dr Deon Weyers, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr Giancarlo Cavedon, Anaesthetist
Kelly Glazebrook, Occupational Therapist (hand therapy)
Paula MacClarin & team, Physiotherapists
Adrian Singh, Orthotist
Cure Day Clinic, surgical facility partner

Together, they developed a two-stage treatment plan to repair Xander’s arm.

23 November 2023

First Procedure Announced

The first stage — inserting a tissue expander — was scheduled for 30 November. Xander also visited CryoSave’s lab in Pretoria East to see where his stem cells had been preserved for over a decade.

30 November 2023

Tissue Expander Placed

A balloon-like expander was inserted under the skin near the scarred area. Over 6–8 weeks, it would gradually stretch the skin to prepare for grafting. Weekly check-ups with Dr Weyers ensured a safe expansion process. Xander’s stem cells were prepared to assist with healing.

24 January 2024

Expansion Phase Begins

Xander underwent his first expansion procedure at Dr. Weyers’ practice. This was the first of several saline injections to help grow new skin tissue, personalised to his arm’s contours.

12 March 2024

Expansion Nearing Completion

Doctors confirmed the expansion process was nearly done. CryoSave had successfully cultured Xander’s stem cells, ready for reintroduction to enhance post-op healing and recovery.

20 March 2024

Reconstructive Surgery Performed

Dr Deon Weyers completed the second surgery — a skin flap reconstruction using the expanded tissue. A special wound dressing enriched with Xander’s stem cells was applied.
Half of the cells were used immediately; the rest were saved for follow-up injections to support deeper healing.

Medical professionals credited again for this critical milestone:

Dr Cavedon managed anaesthesia and post-op medication
Kelly Glazebrook provided four OT sessions
Paula MacClarin’s team supported rehab with 10 physio sessions
Adrian Singh donated and fitted a post-op sling
Cure Day Clinic provided the facility and follow-up care

06 January 2025