Hadley Werrett Wiscott Aldrich Syndrome

Hadley Werrett who has just turned 6, has been in Newcastle for 10 weeks whilst he has undergone several Chemotherapy drugs and a Bone Marrow Transplant in the hope to cure him of a rare genetic immunodeficiency, called Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome.

Wiskot Aldrich Syndrome affects between 1-10 in a million males worldwide. It is a rare X-linked recessive disease characterized by eczema, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), Someone with WAS is less likely to be able to form a blood clot, which leaves them at a greater risk of bleeding out and internal bleeding. Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome causes Recurrent bacterial infections which typically develop by three months of age. The majority of children with WAS develop at least one autoimmune disorder, and cancers (mainly lymphoma and leukemia). The average life expectancy for males with Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome is about 15-20 years without a stem cell transplant.

Hadley was born with a platelet count of 21, which is abnormally low with an average platelet count being between 150-450.

Whilst a platelet count was all Hadley was showing from the moment he was born, it was never questioned whether he has Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome, as he didn't have one of the other obvious signs which was eczema.

For 4 years Hadley was treated for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Pupura (ITP) , which is bleeding a bleeding disorder.

When Hadley was 4 years old, he was admitted to hospital with Osteomyelitis in the knee (Bone Infection) which hospitalised him for 2 weeks needing a strong dose IV Antibiotics. When he was almost 5 years old, his Consultant done some gene testing, where Oxford finally confirmed Hadley had Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome.

The only cure for this, is a Stem Cell Transplant, which Hadley has recently just had in Newcastle.

Hadley has not only been restricted in doing things up until his transplant, but is still restricted for atleast 6 monthes to a year after transplant.

The impact this has on a child of his age is unthinkable. He has always wanted to play football or rugby but has never been able to due to his low platelet count, meaning any form of physical contact sports could prove fatal.

And even after he has had his Bone Marrow Transplant, when Hadley is finally able to return home, he cannot go back to school, he cannot see his friends and he cannot do all the things children of his age can do. He has no immune system and will not have for many of months to come.

Money raised will enable Hadley to spend more time with his family while recovering and to take him on a holiday when he's well enough.