Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is the last resort for children with leukemia for whom conventional treatments have failed. The case presented herein is one of an adolescent girl whose parents were unable to cope with the extreme challenge of BMT. Couple- and family-related data collected prior to the BMT showed this family was at risk. Indeed, throughout the ordeal the patient seriously regressed and her parents' reactions appeared to exacerbate her condition. At discharge, when left alone, the patient manifested somatic symptoms which required her parents to attend to her needs. How family factors may influence BMT outcome is discussed.