Help Baby Rowan Fight a Rare Disease – IPEX Syndrome

Dear friends, supporters, and kind-hearted strangers,

I’m writing this on behalf of my close friends, whose 6-month-old baby boy, Rowan, has been courageously fighting for his life since January 2nd. What was meant to be a short family visit to India turned into a devastating medical emergency.

Rowan’s mother, a dedicated mental health nurse at the NHS North Devon Hospital, had travelled to India with her infant son to visit family. But upon landing, Rowan became severely unwell during the flight and was rushed directly from the airport to the hospital. That same day, he was diagnosed with IPEX Syndrome, a rare and life-threatening autoimmune disease that affects only a handful of children globally.

Rowan has remained in ICU since January, enduring ventilator support, oxygen dependency, infections, and the severe side effects of treatment. On April 7th, he underwent a stem cell transplant—his only hope for survival. The cost of this procedure is approximately ₹47 lakhs (around £47,000). While the family has managed to gather significant support, ₹17 lakhs (around £17,000) in hospital bills still remain unpaid.

At just 6 months old, Rowan weighs only 4 kg. His tiny body is struggling with kidney function and poor weight gain. Though his donor cell count hasn’t improved as expected, and his recovery remains uncertain, one thing continues to shine through—his smile.

Rowan’s mother, only 25 years old, has been living in the hospital full-time. Since arriving in India, she hasn’t even been able to return home. They were initially referred to CMC Vellore, but with treatment costs there exceeding ₹60 lakhs (around £60,000), they opted for care in Kerala to reduce the burden.

As a close friend, I’ve witnessed their pain, resilience, and unwavering commitment. They have exhausted every avenue—and now, they need our help.

Please consider donating whatever you can to support Rowan’s recovery. If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this page or offering a prayer can still make a world of difference.

With heartfelt thanks,

A friend who believes in miracles for Baby Rowan