Emery DeJongh’s Story for 2024 Year in Review
Published on November 11, 2024
When Ethan and Rachel DeJongh learned that their first child would be a boy, they were overjoyed. Ethan eagerly anticipated introducing his son to soccer and track. The birth went smoothly, but a few days later, they received an unexpected call from their doctor.
“It was late—around 9 p.m. on a Sunday. As soon as the phone rang, I knew something was wrong,” Rachel recalled. 
Their doctor informed them that their newborn, Emery, had tested positive for SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency), a condition where he was born without the essential cells needed to build an immune system. In an instant, the joy of welcoming their first baby turned into fear, as they faced the possibility that their son might not survive.
They were quickly referred to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital’s SCID treatment center and arrived at Mission Bay from Fresno, CA on Emery’s 15th day of life. Uncertain of how long they would need to stay in San Francisco, they initially thought they would be there for just a few weeks. But soon, they realized Family House would become their home for the next eight months as Emery underwent a bone marrow transplant, with Rachel as his donor.
During those eight months, the DeJongh family experienced a rollercoaster of emotions—fear, anxiety, and hopelessness—but they also found love, community, and hope. Staying in a private room on the fifth floor, specially designed for immunocompromised children, provided immense relief. Emery’s grandparents were also able to stay at Family House, offering much-needed support throughout the transplant and recovery. “The Family House staff watched him grow up—they became like family to us,” said Rachel.
Emery celebrated his first Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas at Family House. Today, he is strong enough to spend this holiday season at home in Fresno with his family.
“I can’t imagine what our journey would have been like without Family House.” – Ethan
Read Emery’s Story in our Year in Review 2024.
