Harrison & Family Hospital Help

Harrison is 8 -born with a very rare genetic disorder called ADA-SCID ( its a missing enzyme that means his body cannot make mature functioning immune cells - so he is a boy in the bubble) and lives life by immunoglobulin transfusions monthly to keep bugs at bay.

The only real chance for Harrison to be cured is to have a bone marrow transplant. Harrison has had 2 bone marrow transplants already - in 2007 at 4 months old and in 2008 at 18 months old. They now have stopped working all together. This means that Harrison must undergo a third bone marrow transplant. For this he now must have his first chemotherapy to make way for the new transplant bone marrow cells to work. His condition is so rare that he has a huge team of doctors both here and by consultation with doctors in the USA. Should this transplant fail, his only option is for enzyme replacement therapy at a cost of $250,000 a year. This would not provide a cure and would mean a lifelong round of injections 3 times a week into his muscles.

This is going to be exceptionally hard on Harrison- his body is already very frail. It's not easy on anyone, but for patients with his immune condition chemotherapy is very dangerous to have. Harrison will develop infections, need blood and platelet transfusions and will be carefully watched to ensure this new bone marrow does not attack his body. He will end up being tube fed, and the chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant could do further damage to his brain, eyes and body.
We are looking at a hospital stay of around 3 months minimum. Mum stays with Harrison in hospital the whole time.

Harrison is the youngest of 4 children. His siblings are Marlie - 13, Sterling - 11 and Ella- 10. We are also extremely amazed by the resilience of these 3 kids, for the many repeated doctors, hospital, and therapy sessions Harrison undergoes each year. And for the numerous sessions for therapy for Sterling undergoes also - as he has an autism spectrum disorder.

Ella is Harrison's bone marrow donor. This will be her second round of donation. Amazing for a little girl of only 10. We are so lucky that she is a perfect match to Harrison. Ella had a choice of whether to donate or not. She has an extremely close bond to Harrison and chose to donate again.

The children's grandmother will care for the older 3 children so they can stay at school and visit on weekends with mum and Harrison. After Harrison comes home he will have at least another 3 months off school - or longer depending on how quickly his immune system grows. Last transplant saw 2 years pass before he had enough function to be able to go out in public. This time we cross fingers for a much quicker result.

The immune deficiency and associated illnesses has left its mark, some related to the immune deficiency some just an extra issue. Harrison has Retinitis Pigmentosa (a degenerative eye tunnel vision condition) , a rare tumour growth in the left eye, developmental delays and an Autism spectrum disorder. Harrison is blind in the left eye and has only 5 degrees of vision in his right eye. We hold great hope in retaining that vision for as long as possible. The reality is that he will go blind. Nothing can stop it. But time has been kind so far.
The costs will be huge. Funds raised will support the family while in hospital and after hospital to pay for the ongoing expenses and therapy.
For a full history of Harrison's journey please go to adascid.blogspot.com.au