APPLETON, Wis. (WMSN) -- A Wisconsin boy who underwent a stem-cell transplant to strengthen his skin is nearly ready to come home from a Minneapolis hospital.

Five-year-old Charlie Knuth of Darboy has a rare skin disease that causes blisters inside and outside his body.

He underwent a transplant Dec. 30. Doctors say the early prognosis is an encouraging one.

Dr. Jakub Tolar, Charlie's physician at a University of Minnesota hospital, says Charlie initially had sores on 90 to 95 percent of his body. He says it's now down to less than 5 percent.

His mother says the family is grateful for all the support and gifts they've received.

The Post-Crescent of Appleton says Charlie still has obstacles to overcome. For example, his devastated immune system will take a year to redevelop.