World PI Week 26 | The Bubble Foundation
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World PI Week 26

Updated: May 7th, 2026

This World PI Week, we stood with children, families, clinicians and researchers across the globe to raise awareness of Primary Immunodeficiencies (PI).

Throughout World PI Week 2026, our patients and families took part in a range of creative and educational activities designed to bring moments of fun, connection and understanding during their time on the ward.

One of the most memorable activities saw children drawing the “monsters” attacking their immune systems. These colourful and imaginative creations were then displayed across the windows of the hospital and university buildings. Children in neighbouring cubicles took part in spotting the monsters using binoculars, helping isolated patients feel connected and involved from their rooms.

For children in purple isolation who were able to leave their cubicles safely, the Bubble buggy became part of the adventure, allowing them to explore and search for the hidden monsters around the ward environment.

We also introduced a collection of soft toys shaped like immune cells and other medical and scientific characters. These quickly became favourites with many of the children, while also helping to create gentle educational opportunities for patients and families to learn more about the immune system in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

World PI Week was not only an opportunity to raise awareness of Primary Immunodeficiencies, but also a chance to bring joy, creativity and play to children facing incredibly difficult circumstances.


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Primary Immunodeficiencies are a group of more than 550 rare conditions where the immune system is missing parts or does not work properly, leaving children and adults vulnerable to serious infections and complications. Around 6 million people worldwide are thought to be living with PI, yet many remain undiagnosed.

The 2026 World PI Week theme, “We Can’t Wait”, was a powerful call for earlier diagnosis, faster access to treatment, and better support for patients and families.

For families facing life-threatening immune conditions, time is critical. Early diagnosis and specialist care could save lives, improve outcomes, and give children the chance not only to survive, but to thrive.

Thanks to decades of pioneering research and care at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle, survival rates for many children with severe immune disorders have dramatically improved. But there was still more to do.

During the week, we celebrated the strength of our patients and families, recognised the dedication of healthcare teams, and continued our mission to fund life-saving treatment, research, specialist equipment, family-centred care and play.

Together, we raised awareness, supported groundbreaking research, and helped ensure no child faced these conditions alone. Thank you to everyone who supported World PI Week 2026 and helped shine a light on Primary Immunodeficiencies.