When Jack was 9 months old, the doctors decided to do special tests. One of these tests showed Jack had very low platelets. Platelets are ^tiny pieces in your blood that act like little bandages. When you get a cut, they rush to the spot and stick together to form a clot, which stops the bleeding and helps the cut heal. 🩸

From these tests, Jack and his family found out he had a rare condition called Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, which makes it hard for Jack to fight off infections and stop bleeding. Jack was able to get a special treatment he needed to help him get better – a bone marrow transplant. 🩻

Everyone in Jack’s family got tested and Jack's big sister, Bethany, who was 9 years old, was the best match! Bethany was extremely brave, so she had a special operation to give Jack some of her healthy bone marrow. Bethany helped save Jack’s life! ❤️

🎉These days, Jack takes medicine, goes to check-ups to make sure he is healthy and has just celebrated his 4th birthday! 🎁

Read Jack's story from the perspective of his mum, Emma.

Oli trains and plays soccer 6 days a week. He also makes sure to get plenty of sleep – something he’s very good at! 😴

When Oli was about 8 years old, he was getting lots of chest infections. He went to the doctor and was diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) which means his body has a harder time fighting off germs. 🦠

When Oli was 12, he started getting special treatments to help his immune system. He first had immunoglobulin replacement therapy — which replaces antibodies to help protect from infection — and it's given through needles so the medication goes into the blood. Then, Oli had intravenous immunoglobulin which is very similar but happens less frequently. 

Oli also has two blood clotting disorders, so his medicine has to go in very slowly. It takes around seven hours to get his treatment! Since starting his treatment, Oli hardly ever gets sick and has way more energy.⚡️He’s even grown 18 centimetres taller since he began!

Even though it’s been hard sometimes, Oli hasn’t given up. He wants to keep chasing his dream to be a professional soccer player! He was chosen by Academy scouts to travel to the United Kingdom in December to play against famous teams like Manchester United! 🏟️

🎉 A big congratulations to Oli from everyone at IDFA—we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see where your soccer journey takes you! ⚽️

Read Oli's story from the perspective of a parent.

For kids! (8-12yrs)

For teenagers! (12-17yrs)

For IDFA, this day holds special significance for our youngest members. Many children in our community live with primary immunodeficiencies—rare conditions that can be difficult to recognise and understand.

Our campaign focuses on raising awareness in schools, helping students and teachers learn about rare diseases and the unique challenges faced by children with immunodeficiencies. Together, we can build understanding, reduce stigma, and create more supportive school environments. ❤️

Find out more about our Rare Disease Day campaigns!

Click here to download the competition entry!