Joseph

Joseph’s journey with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome began in June 2023, when he was just 11 months old. Although he was fortunately doing well at the time, after discussing the potential risks with his medical team, his parents made the decision that a stem cell transplant would give him the best chance at a healthy and ‘normal’ future.

The family first came to Newcastle in March 2024 for a four-week stay, as Joseph needed treatment for a virus. Unfortunately, the virus delayed the transplant, as it wasn’t safe to proceed until he was well enough. By the end of May, Joseph returned to Newcastle, and this time, his transplant could finally go ahead. He received his life-saving donor cells on 19th June.

It wasn’t an easy road, with challenges along the way, but Joseph’s strength and spirit shone through. On 7th October, he rang the bell, celebrating his discharge and move to the halfway hotel.

"Despite being quite ill for a lot of the time, Joseph absolutely loved his time on Ward 3. He had a fab time playing with (terrorising) all of the staff and they all went above and beyond to make the time as fun and easy as it can be for him and for us as his parents. I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done for us. "