{"id":4349,"date":"2024-11-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/familyhouseinc.org\/article\/emery-dejonghs-story-for-2024-year-in-review\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T10:16:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T17:16:32","slug":"emerys-journey-with-scid","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/familyhouseinc.org\/tl\/article\/emerys-journey-with-scid\/","title":{"rendered":"Emery\u2019s Journey with SCID"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\n

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. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n

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\u201cIt was late\u2014around 9 p.m. on a Sunday. As soon as the phone rang, I knew something was wrong,\u201d Rachel recalled.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n

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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n

They were quickly referred to UCSF Benioff Children\u2019s Hospital\u2019s<\/a> SCID treatment center and arrived at Mission Bay from Fresno, CA on Emery\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n

During those eight months, the DeJongh family experienced a rollercoaster of emotions\u2014fear, anxiety, and hopelessness\u2014but 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\u2019s 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\u2014they became like family to us,” said Rachel.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n

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