Young Boy Celebrates Milestone After Stem Cell Transplant

A young boy from Wales is celebrating a significant milestone in his recovery following a stem cell transplant. Jasper Hodgson Smith, aged 8, who has the rare and life-threatening condition known as Activated PPI3K Delta Syndrome (APDS), recently enjoyed his first meal outside the hospital—fish and chips. This outing marks a joyful moment for Jasper and his family after a challenging five-month stay at the Royal Victoria Infirmary’s renowned “bubble ward,” located in the Great North Children’s Hospital.

Jasper underwent a stem cell transplant from his father, Matt Hodgson Smith, in late 2024. He is one of only 35 individuals in the UK diagnosed with APDS, a condition that severely weakens the immune system. His mother, Sophie Hodgson Smith, shared that Jasper’s immune system is gradually rebuilding itself post-treatment, noting, “He’s doing okay! We have passed some of the first milestones, but we still have to get his T-cells over 500 to get him to school.” Currently, his T-cell count has reached just over 400, indicating progress in his recovery.

Support Through Adversity

Throughout Jasper’s treatment, the family has documented their journey on social media, sharing updates, including celebrations of his eighth birthday. Sophie has recently become a trustee of the Bubble Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting children with compromised immune systems and their families. She spoke of how Jasper’s positive outlook has brought joy to those around him during his time in the hospital.

“He danced his way through his transplant,” Sophie remarked. “He would always take a positive approach, even on his worst days.”

The Bubble Foundation, established in 1992, plays a vital role in providing resources and support for families like Jasper’s. The charity aims to lessen feelings of isolation for those undergoing treatment at the bubble ward, which is specifically designed to protect children from infections. Sophie emphasized the importance of the foundation’s support, stating, “The support we have had before, during, and after the transplant has been incredible.”

Innovation in Treatment

Jasper is also a participant in a clinical trial known as Haplo+4Kids, which aims to improve the safety and efficiency of bone marrow transplants for children. This trial assesses whether the infusion of additional immune cells from donors can expedite recovery. Sophie’s experience highlights the challenges of being away from their home in Swansea during Jasper’s treatment, but she remains grateful for the care received in Newcastle.

According to Joy Dyson, fundraising manager for the Bubble Foundation, the charity is working hard to raise awareness of primary immunodeficiency disorders. “Everyone knows what cancer is, but people don’t understand what a PID is—and we know how life-threatening they can be,” she stated.

The foundation aims to update its resources and increase its visibility in the community. Recently, a new website was launched to enhance fundraising efforts and raise awareness of the challenges faced by children with rare disorders like APDS.

As Jasper continues on his path to recovery, his family’s journey serves as a testament to resilience and the vital role of community support in overcoming health challenges. For more information on the Bubble Foundation and its initiatives, interested parties can visit their official website.