X-Nico

5 unusual facts about David Vetter


Bubble Boy

David Vetter (1971–1984), a victim of Severe Combined Immune Deficiency Syndrome who was forced to live in a sterile environment

David Vetter

In 1977, researchers from NASA used their experience with the fabrication of space suits to develop a special suit that would allow Vetter to get out of his bubble and walk in the outside world.

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His parents and medical team, which included Dr. John Montgomery, sought to provide him as normal a life as possible, including a formal education, and a television and playroom inside the sterile chamber.

Environmental suit

The concept of an environmental suit protecting someone from contamination is a feature of the boy in the bubble trope: both David Vetter and Ted DeVita at some point used such suits.

Texas Children's Hospital

David Vetter (1971–1984) - Severe Combined Immune Deficiency Syndrome (a.k.a. The Bubble Boy)


Ted DeVita

His story, along with that of Texas patient David Vetter, was used to create the 1976 made-for-TV movie The Boy in the Plastic Bubble.


see also