Two mothers and their sons connect the dots to one community

Two mothers, two young sons, and the same life-changing experience: the moment a doctor informed them their children had primary immunodeficiency (PI). 

Carolina Rubiano' son, Alejandro, had frequent ear infections as a baby. When doctors diagnosed him with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), she became frightened about what his life would look like in the future. 

Meghan Garriott's son, Emmett, was diagnosed with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) through newborn screening at only 10 days old. The family learned quickly that Emmett needed a lifesaving bone marrow transplant.

While the diagnosis journeys of their sons may be different, they both ended up discovering one community in the Immune Deficiency Foundation.

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Carolina Rubiano and Alejandro

For Rubiano, Alejandro’s primary immunodeficiency (PI) diagnosis carried an extra weight. She lost a family member to an unknown immunodeficiency years prior, and she lay awake terrified of what this diagnosis could mean for her young son. Rubiano told herself that it would all be OK—science had progressed, and treatments were more advanced. 

They were lucky to have a great pediatrician who connected them to “the best immunologists in the world,” said Rubiano. Her search for more information about her son’s condition led her to a community and treasure trove of resources in the Immune Deficiency Foundation. 

“I find the organization to be an immense resource and support, always advocating for the welfare of patients and families,” she said. 

Today, the family is an active part of the PI community, and they joined us in June at the 2026 National Conference. Rubiano makes sure to give back to the organization that has supported her family throughout their PI journey. 

The family raises awareness in plasma centers and participates in walks. “I volunteer because I like to pay back and help the community that has welcomed me and my family. I like to make sure we have a strong and supportive community,” she said.

As for her advice for families who have recently discovered the Immune Deficiency Foundation, Rubiano said, "I would encourage new patients and families to get involved, ask questions, and use the available resources. Here, people can find a supportive community willing to help!"

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Meghan and Emmett Garriott

At three weeks old, Emmett underwent a bone marrow transplant, with his mother as his stem cell donor. Although she had heard of the Immune Deficiency Foundation when her son was initially diagnosed, she didn’t know everything the organization provided until a few months later.

“It wasn’t until after his transplant that I dug into all the resources that the organization has to offer. I am so grateful for the sense of community that the Immune Deficiency Foundation has given us from the get-go,” said Garriott.

After his transplant, he still required immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy to boost his antibodies. His family became more involved with the foundation, and Emmett joined his first foundation Walk as a toddler.

“For many years, our family and friends would gather in St. Louis for walk. It felt great to give back to the Immune Deficiency Foundation, which had provided us with so much moral support and education when we were going through the thick of his diagnosis,” said Garriott. 

She said the foundation plays an important role in the journey with PI by providing a space for people to share similar experiences related to diagnosis or treatment. About four years ago, his transplant started failing, and he is now on the path to possible treatment with gene therapy

“They can talk about it with you and help you navigate hard decisions,” said Garriott. 

The family attended the 2026 National Conference, and Emmet, 11, was excited to keep meeting other kids diagnosed with SCID.

“Our very favorite part of the National Conference was chatting with other people from around the country at meals while hearing their stories and swapping experiences. It was amazing to meet other SCID kids for the first time,” she said. 

Garriott encourages families to take advantage of Immune Deficiency Foundation resources and community.

"Just finding the Immune Deficiency Foundation is the first step. Get involved in whatever way your life and diagnosis allows you to,” she said. “We loved giving back and fundraising with our friends and family. It was a great way for our friends and family to be involved. But we also love the National Conference for meeting people who understand our unique experiences. Emmett is looking forward to the Teen Escapes in the future.”

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Foundation scholarships funded through generous donations helped the Rubiano and Garriott families attend the 2026 National Conference. The two mothers expressed how meeting others affected by PI positively impacted their lives.

“The connections we made with other patients and with physicians were truly life-changing,” said Garriott. Rubiano experienced a “supportive community willing to help.”

From infancy to the teen years and into adulthood, the Immune Deficiency Foundation is there for the long haul. We are proud to offer events like the National Conference and the Teen & Tween Escape, as well as free publications and educational resources that connect families with the latest research and support. None of this would be possible without your help. Give today to help support more families like these.