A 2-in-1-Million Diagnosis 

Among three medical conditions, Leif was diagnosed with X-linked hyper IgM syndrome, a very rare primary immunodeficiency disease which only affects about two in every 1 million male babies. It’s caused by gene mutations on the X chromosome. Individuals with this condition are more susceptible to recurrent and severe infections, including infections that are caused by organisms that do not normally affect healthy individuals. 

“I’m glad we finally figured it out, but then they told us Leif only had two years to live,” Airica said. 

After the diagnosis, Airica and her husband found another doctor, but they had no answers. They didn’t want to feel hopeless and continued searching to find a doctor who could save Leif’s life. 

Life-Saving Care with Cook Children’s Immunology

In her desperate online search for a cure, Airica came across Natalia Chaimowitz, M.D., Ph.D. who leads Cook Children’s Immunology Clinic and reached out to her. Dr. Chaimowitz told Airica she had a treatment for Leif’s X-linked hyper IgM syndrome. 

“As an immunologist, I’ve had the privilege of caring for children with rare disorders like hyper IgM syndrome,” Dr. Chaimowitz said. “These conditions may be uncommon, but their impact is profound. Early diagnosis can truly change the trajectory of a child’s life — giving them access to the care and treatment they need before complications arise.” 

After other doctors said he wouldn’t live past two years, Dr. Chaimowitz gave Airica’s family hope.
 
“Leif has an ultra-rare diagnosis that many physicians have never heard of, or only read about,” Dr. Chaimowitz said. “As a specialized immunology care center, we take care of children with ultra-rare diagnosis and are always up-to-date on diagnostic evaluations and therapeutics.” 

Leif received life-saving care as quickly as possible and had a bone marrow transplant in September 2024. He went into remission soon after and continues to be in remission today.
 
“It was a wonderful experience with Cook Children’s,” Airica said. “In Oklahoma, it was chaotic and no one knew anything, but at Cook Children’s it was amazing — Leif was in the right place, exactly where he needed to be. I can’t ever give Cook Children’s enough gratitude.”
 
In Cook Children’s care, Airica always felt reassured and comforted. She could ask questions and never be afraid of not getting an answer or potential steps to take. Even though he had a few challenges including his liver numbers and had to have a lot of teeth removed from chemotherapy, Airica is so grateful Leif is with her today. He just turned 3 years old in August.
 
“I cry every time I talk to Dr. Chaimowitz because I’m so grateful for her saving my son’s life. For all her work dedicating her time and her life to this field. There are no words to describe how grateful I am,” Airica said.

Overcoming Challenges 

Since Airica’s family lives in Oklahoma, one of their biggest challenges was being apart during Leif’s care, especially in the beginning. Eventually they were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Worth and it made Leif’s regular hospital appointments and treatment a lot easier. 

“We had a home away from home at the Ronald McDonald House and the staff and community helped make the challenging time joyful,” Airica said. “My family got to do fun activities and not feel so depressed all the time.” 

Airica and her family lived at the Ronald McDonald House for six months while receiving care at Cook Children’s. 

Hope for Families 

As with many health challenges, finding relevant educational resources, support and the best health care options possible, makes all the difference in both quality of care and quality of life. It can also be a time when someone may need to open up and lean on friends or family, even if it isn’t easy. 

“I had no idea what to do and was skeptical and scared,” Airica said. “Become comfortable with not being okay, reach out and look for resources that will help you.” 
Airica can’t stress enough how important it is to request genetic testing if your child is in a life or death situation with no answers. Prayers and leaning on her faith also helped Airica stay hopeful through very difficult times. 

“At the end of it all, you get to see your child smile,” Airica said. “It’s a hard journey, but it has been rewarding.” 

Camp ID’s Growing Impact
Suzanne Whitworth, M.D., division chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Cook Children’s, was the first physician to attend Camp ID in 2011, demonstrating early medical support for the program.

The camp's reach has significantly expanded, particularly with the involvement of Natalia Chaimowitz, M.D., Ph.D., who has been instrumental in spearheading Cook Children's Immunology Clinic since 2022. Thanks to Dr. Chaimowitz's leadership and the clinic's support, Camp ID now proudly hosts 19 families, a testament to its growing impact.

“We hosted the 2025 Camp ID in March and doubled the size of our attendance this year with 19 families,” Nurse Practitioner Rachael Scott, said. “It’s the one weekend a year families really look forward to and one family even said it was the first family vacation they’ve ever had!”

The Camp ID Experience
“I’ve always believed that one of the most important things in life is the connection we make with others,” Stroud said. “That is what camp is all about—making new connections, friendships and memories.”

At Camp ID, campers have the opportunity to make friends and participate in unforgettable activities - like fishing, playing ball, climbing a ropes course and having campfires - all while feeling safe with on-site medical support. They also go beyond traditional fun and build supportive, lasting relationships with others who share similar life experiences.

“I believe what our patients and families love most about camp is the opportunity to meet and connect with other families who are going through similar medical and life experiences,” Daniele Gibbons, MS, a certified child life specialist, said. “Seeing our patients and families build new relationships, try new things and experience the spirit of camp brings our staff so much joy!”

Many families have had the experience of a lifetime and look forward to camp every year. 

The Large Family: Attending Camp ID Since 2018
Alison and Daniel Large have been bringing their kids to Camp ID since 2018. Their son, Carter, who has an immune disorder and is a patient of Dr. Chaimowitz, first experienced the camp at just two and a half years old.

“For children with immune disorders like Carter, Camp ID at Camp John Mark is more than just a weekend camp—it’s a life-changing experience,” Dr. Chaimowitz said. “It gives them a chance to step outside the routines of medical care, build lasting friendships with others who understand their journey, and experience the joy of simply being a kid in a safe, supportive environment.”

Despite facing significant physical challenges, including navigating life in a wheelchair, difficulties with gripping and eating, and frequent hospitalizations (22 visits in 2019 and 15 in 2020), Carter has demonstrated remarkable persistence and an unyielding spirit. His journey has not only cultivated incredible mental strength within himself but has also profoundly inspired his entire family.

“Being hospitalized can be so difficult because you want to do everything in your power to care for your kid and try to make their experiences easier,” Alison said. “It’s also hard on parents and Cook Children’s is great about helping you feel better.”

Camp staff and medical staff work together to operate Camp ID, which creates a safe environment where kids can simply be themselves and share the magic of camp.

 “I recommend other families to try the camp 100%! Camp ID is amazing and the staff and volunteers is so fantastic,” Alison said. “They really work to build up your kid and your family!”

Alison and Daniel’s daughter, Cadence, also loves camp and the opportunity to meet other siblings. Alison and Daniel say being with others who are walking the same path fosters a sense of community and understanding.

Register for Camp ID 2026
When: February 27 – March 1, 2026

Where: Camp John Marc (4925 Greenville Avenue, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75206)

Registration opens in the fall. All Cook Children’s Immunology Clinic patients will receive a “save-the-date” in October. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis with a waitlist available once all spots are filled.

Have questions? Email Betty Stroud: betty.stroud@cookchildrens.org.