Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

 

           I discovered a story about a little boy by the name of David Vetter, known to many as “the boy in the bubble.” David was born with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), and after his birth, he had to immediately placed in an incubator because he could not be exposed to germs (The New York Times, 2015). His disease prohibited him from living in an unsterile environment. David spent his life in the Texas Children’s Hospital living in an incubator that continued to grow and expand as he aged. Many Doctor’s and human rights groups were concerned about the fact David was being housed in a plastic box (The New York Times, 2015).   It was not until 1977, NASA researchers built a special suit for David to venture outside into the world. Allowing him to go outside play, be held by his mother, and go to the movies. All the things that most people take for granted.   

                David disease was very rare back in the 1970s, and he needed a bone marrow transplant because his bone marrow did not produce immune cells. Researchers were unable to find a matching bone marrow. As a result, his medical decided to used donated bone marrow from David’s sister, but her bone marrow contained the virus lymphoma that ultimately led to his death (The New York Times, 2015). David’s life was documented and captured for many to watch on their television. David’s mother understood the risk related to her son’s condition and was willing to follow the guidance and recommendation of David’s medical team. So much medical research was gathered over the span of David’s life about SCIDs.  Due to the notoriety of David’s journey with SCIDs; it helped to boost awareness and research into the disease. Today fetuses can be tested and treated for SCID in the womb.     

References:

The New York Times. (2015, December 15). The Boy in the Bubble | Retro Report | The New York Times [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJa6KVLwl9U