THE BASA FAMILY Living on the Front Lines of von Willebrand Disease (VWD) for More than 15 Years Deb and Tony Basa and their son, Andrew, who was diagnosed with Type 2a severe VWD at age 3, share their experience with VWD. Now 18, Andrew switched to wilate 6 years ago.
n Andrew switched to wilate as part of a clinical trial (in conjunction with knee surgery). Since the switch, Andrew
has been effectively managing his VWD. All of his treatments are done at home, where he has learned to self-infuse. n Andrew’s parents describe major improvements in his condition. “Before wilate, it was as if Andrew’s
life was on hold. We feel like wilate was made for him.” Andrew agrees: “Since making the switch, I don’t feel held back by my condition.” Tony adds that he wishes wilate had been an option when Andrew was diagnosed. “Our doctor told us, if wilate was around when Andrew was 3, he would have started on wilate from the beginning—just for the 1:1 ratio of VWF:FVIII.” n The Basas also enrolled in the Co-pay Assistance Program, which can help
on out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment—up to $12,000 each year.
“
Since switching to
wilate, Andrew is a totally different kid. He’s confident and unafraid. He feels
The Basas Today |
Educating and Empowering the Community About VWD
protected—and generally just feels better.
”
n The Basas are actively involved in the VWD community. Tony is also a Patient Educator
for Octapharma, educating patients and doctors about factor products. “We are constantly engaging other families,” Deb says. “I have served as moderator on talks about VWD and wilate. I get to meet all of the new families that are diagnosed with VWD, talk about the challenges of VWD—and how to get through them. That experience has been priceless to us.” n Andrew is also directly involved in his treatment. For years, he has presented his own Individualized Education Plan
(or IEP) to the principal and educators at his high school. The IEP establishes important guidelines to accommodate his condition, such as modified physical education classes, instructions for field trips, and having a refrigerator at school for storing wilate and other medications. Andrew recommends that families living with VWD get involved in their treatment, and points to Octapharma’s comprehensive support network. “From the first day we started wilate, the Octapharma team has been right by our side. We are proud to be a part of it.”
Indications and Usage wilate® is a von Willebrand Factor/Coagulation Factor VIII Complex (Human) indicated in children and adults with von Willebrand disease for on-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes, and for perioperative management of bleeding. wilate is also indicated in adolescents and adults with hemophilia A for routine prophylaxis to reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes, and for on-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes. Please see enclosed full Prescribing Information. Please see other side for Important Safety Information.