A newborn boy named Luca Sadler-Davey is currently fighting for his life after experiencing a severe health crisis just two weeks after his birth. Born on October 10, 2023, to parents Lucy Shaw and Wesley Sadler-Davey, the infant initially appeared to be in perfect health. However, his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a frightening hospital transfer and a diagnosis of a rare autoimmune disorder.
In the early days of parenthood, Lucy and Wesley felt overjoyed as they welcomed their son. They described their lives as “complete” following their struggle to conceive. The couple enjoyed a blissful two weeks with baby Luca, who showed no signs of health issues during that time. But their joy turned to fear when Luca woke one morning with a high fever reaching up to 40°C, accompanied by a swollen abdomen and a rash.
Rushing to their local hospital, the couple learned that doctors suspected the newborn might have sepsis, a serious condition that can occur in infants. Luca was promptly started on antibiotics, but his condition worsened, prompting a transfer to a specialized intensive care unit for further evaluation. It was here that medical professionals began to suspect that he might be suffering from Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening disorder characterized by an overactive immune response.
Luca was eventually transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, a facility renowned for its pediatric care. Over the past six weeks, he has undergone intensive treatments, including chemotherapy with etoposide, aimed at reducing the overactive immune cells that were harming his body. Lucy expressed that, at times, she and Wesley feared for their son’s survival, but they found strength in Luca’s resilience, noting that he “always comes out stronger.”
Now, there is a glimmer of hope for the family as Luca has been approved for a vital bone marrow transplant, scheduled for January 26, 2026. Lucy shared that they are grateful to a 21-year-old donor whose generosity has made this possible. While the transplant represents a significant step forward, the couple anticipates that Luca will continue to face health challenges in the future, requiring ongoing monitoring and treatment.
As they navigate this challenging period, Lucy and Wesley have not been able to work, dedicating their time to stay by their son’s side. In light of the financial strain, they have launched a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise £2,800 to cover their bills and support Luca during his hospital stay.
Lucy emphasized that their focus remains on their son’s recovery and the hope that the upcoming treatments will pave the way for a better future. Despite the difficulties, Luca’s spirit and the support of the medical staff have provided the family with strength and optimism as they continue this journey together.
