Heather and Sean welcomed their sweet baby Oliver Fox, on April 13th, 2026. Born a healthy and energetic 7 pounds 2 ounces, he joins his sister Luna (6) and brother Dylan (3) at their mountain homestead in Vermont.

All of our lives changed 5 days later when Oliver was diagnosed with an extremely rare immune condition called SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency). Sometimes known as ‘bubble baby disease’, this 1 in 100,000 disorder leaves Oliver without a functioning immune system and an inability to fight off germs.

If left untreated, SCID is fatal within the first year of life. Luckily, advancements in medical research now usually allow the condition to be treated through chemotherapy followed by an infant bone marrow transplant. This is a very long and difficult process, but we are hopeful this treatment will save Oliver's life.

Oliver faces at least six weeks at Boston Children’s Hospital followed by careful monitoring for at least a month afterward nearby. Once the initial bone marrow transplant process is complete in the Boston area, Oliver will need protective isolation at home in Vermont for up to a year afterward while his immune system slowly regrows and strengthens.

This has placed Heather, Sean, and their family in a heartbreaking and complicated situation. Treatment, which is likely to begin in June and lasts roughly 3-months, is only available at Boston Children’s Hospital about three hours from their home. This will require living in two states to allow Heather and Sean to take care of Oliver in Boston, while also caring for Luna and Dylan in Vermont.

In the meantime, our family has entered strict protective isolation, leaving both Sean and Heather out of work and Luna and Dylan out of school and organized activities. When Oliver is about two months old and a bone marrow donor is identified, he is able to undergo chemotherapy which will condition his body to be receptive to the bone marrow transplant. Until then, the day to day will be lots of tests and appointments in Boston while managing life in isolation with three young children (and two amazing cats!).

Heather and Sean will quickly start accumulating significant out of pocket expenses, including medical expenses and supplies, travel costs and lodging in the Boston area throughout treatment, in addition to the everyday bills that continue while Heather and Sean are unable to work.

Your donation will help save sweet Oliver and keep Heather, Sean, Dylan, and Luna afloat during an extremely trying time.

Heather's parents/Oliver's grandparents Scott and Marcy Buckner are currently in the best position to help manage funds raised, so that while they are in isolation, Heather and Sean can focus on keeping Oliver safe and caring for Luna and Dylan.