A Strong Passion for People
Every day, Adam wakes up ready to keep his community safe. As head custodian for his local elementary school, he is part of the frontline team keeping the school COVID-free.
“My team and I cleaned the school every night to get it ready,” Adam said. “With the masks and plexiglass, it was crazy for a while.”
Adam’s close-knit community is perfect for him and his family, several of whom live nearby. He and his family love to take long drives to the beach to explore.
“That’s my escape to clear my mind,” he said.
Adam’s proximity to family was critical in 2014 when he began to experience unusual symptoms. After several years of studies and tests, his doctors diagnosed Adam with hereditary angioedema. The rare genetic condition involves swelling, often in the hands, body, and feet.
“My doctor said it was a highly unusual diagnosis,” Adam said. “Nobody in my family has had it.”
Adam joined a clinical trial for a new treatment that proved to be a success. But when he learned the cost of continuing the treatment, Adam was stunned.
“I had no idea how I was going to pay for it,” he said.
Adam began to research different avenues for financial assistance. Through a Facebook support group, Adam found The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Hereditary Angioedema Financial Assistance Program. The program provides financial assistance for FDA-approved treatment for prescription drug copays, health insurance premiums, therapy administration costs, ground travel costs, and genetic testing.
“TAF made it so easy to apply,” Adam said. “When I spoke to a Patient Advocate on the phone, they made me feel like I was the only person there.”
But Adam wanted to give back. With his passion for helping people, he decided to become active in the HAE community. Adam says helping people improve their quality of life and access critical care is the least he can do.
“A lot of people don’t have access to medicine because they don’t know about TAF,” he said. “I want to be an advocate.”
Without the worry of how he will access his medication, Adam has the freedom to spend time at the beach and do the things he loves.
“TAF has been nothing but great. They’re always in a good mood and are willing to sit and listen to me whenever I need it,” Adam said. “The Assistance Fund is a great organization.”
