Family settles in Westwood after traveling to U.S. to save their son

Hagop Semerjian is a picture of good health.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEIDI RAKER GOLDSTEIN

Hagop 'Jack' Semerjian, far right, with his family at Semerjian Shoes in Westwood. Originally from Syria, the family came to the United States in the mid 2000s so Jack could get a stem cell transplant to cure him of a rare immune disorder. The family eventually settled in Westwood where they made a home and started their family business. From left: Karni, Onnig, the owner, Ani and Hagop Semerjian.

While standing slightly shorter than the average 18-year-old boy, his father, Onnig, who is the owner of Westwood's Semerjian Shoes on Center Avenue, says he still has some growing to do.

Last month, he finished his last round of medications, which included antibiotics that he had been taking all of his life to combat a rare hereditary immune disorder that left him sick for most of his childhood.

"It's surreal," he says of no longer having to take medication. "I've been on it so long. I used to always go to the hospital..."

Hagop, whom his peers call Jack, pulls his hood back upon entering the store, fashioned with modernized-style dcor, on the rainy afternoon of Dec. 23 and greets his mom, Ani, who is at the register. His sister, Karni, checks out shoes in the mirror.

Hagop, who takes a seat in a black leather chair, says he's enjoying life as a typical teenager. While undecided on a major, the senior at Westwood Junior-Senior High School plans to attend Bergen Community College in the fall. He is also considering applying to Rutgers University as a transfer student after that to study business.

While his career path may not be certain, the family is hopeful that a healthy future now is.

Hagop was 2 when doctors diagnosed him with Chronic Granulomatous Disease - an illness that hampers immune system function, thus leaving a person susceptible to chronic infections and even death, according to MedlinePlus. At the time, Hagop was friendless. He spent his days homeschooled and in front of the television watching movies and playing video games. He was 8 when his family saw there was hope in getting him healthy.

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Family settles in Westwood after traveling to U.S. to save their son