Archie’s health story began when he was just three years old. He was hospitalised with dangerously low platelet levels and diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Over the years, his health remained complicated. At 25, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and began chemotherapy. During that time, he also learned he had Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), a condition that explained his frequent and serious infections. In 2014, he faced another major scare: a hospital stay for life-threatening pneumonia. Although he eventually reached cancer remission, Archie’s health was still fragile, and answers remained elusive.
In 2017, Archie and Keya moved to Vancouver, Canada, hoping for a fresh start. But in early 2019, his health took another downturn. He was admitted to St Paul’s Hospital with severe gastrointestinal symptoms and was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC). During a 27-day hospital stay, Archie met the hospital’s immunology team. It was here that an immunologist, Dr. Pourshahnazari, noticed something others had missed: a pattern connecting his history of ITP, CVID, UC, and cancer. For the first time, someone asked the right question—had he ever had a genetic test?
That test changed everything. At 32 years old, Archie was finally diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS), a rare, X-linked primary immunodeficiency that affects platelet production and immune function. It also increases the risk of autoimmune conditions and cancers. WAS is usually diagnosed in childhood, so receiving this diagnosis as an adult was unusual, but it finally tied together the many pieces of Archie’s medical past. The recommended treatment was a stem-cell transplant (SCT), which could offer a cure—but it came with significant risks.
Just as Archie and Keya were beginning to process the diagnosis, the COVID-19 pandemic hit—and they found out they were expecting their first child. It was a lot to take in at once. With incredible support from their medical team, including immunologist Dr. Biggs, they made the difficult but important decision to return to Australia for both the birth and Archie’s upcoming treatment.
Navigating pandemic restrictions, medical logistics, and an international relocation was no easy feat, but they made it home in June 2020. In November, they welcomed their son Barry—an incredible moment of joy amidst so much uncertainty. Then, in May 2021, Archie underwent a successful stem-cell transplant at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney. The transplant replaced his immune system with that of a donor and has since been considered a complete success. Archie is now in remission, and his WAS, along with many of the associated risks, is behind him.
Today, Archie is focused on recovery, fatherhood, and living fully. Time with Keya, Barry, and Indahli —whether it’s a quiet walk, playtime at home, or simply enjoying each other’s company—has become more meaningful than ever. Open conversations about health are part of their everyday life, helping build trust and resilience within their family.
Looking back, Archie knows that the turning point came when someone truly listened and asked a question no one else had thought to ask. That genetic test not only explained a lifetime of illness but also gave him a path forward. He now advocates for increased access to genomic testing for people of all ages—not just newborns. He firmly believes that earlier access to the right tests could help others avoid years of uncertainty and missed treatment opportunities.
Archie’s journey has taught him the power of self-advocacy and the importance of a supportive medical team. He encourages others living with primary immunodeficiencies to stay curious, keep asking questions, and push for answers—because even on the hardest days, hope is closer than it seems.
His story is one of resilience, love, and second chances. With strength, support, and the right care, Archie and his family are now writing a new chapter—one filled with gratitude, connection, and the joy of simply being together.