We're thrilled to share our new patient spotlight interview with Audrey and her mother Alyssa! Audrey is 10 years old and was diagnosed with Hypogammaglobulinemia after being sick all too often when she was younger. Now she loves to play outside and helps others to feel less alone by sharing their story on social media. Read their full interview below to learn more about Audrey!
Please share a brief overview of your story.
Audrey is a 10-year-old who loves to play outside, loves arts and crafts and making others laugh. Audrey was sick a lot growing up--it all started with upper respiratory illnesses/ear Infections and bronchitis. Every month we were back and forth to the doctor’s office. The doctors whom we saw at the time kept telling us it was normal for her to be sick, that she’s fine. But we dealt with infections every month for years. I remember seeing an article online about immunodeficiency and thought to myself I need to have Audrey see an immunologist and to get tested just to see. We ended up at Boston Children’s Hospital and found an amazing doctor who listened to us, ran a lot of tests, and found us the answer. Audrey has Hypogammaglobulinemia. We started Subq infusions right away and what a difference! Audrey is rarely sick and if she gets a tiny cold it lasts 1-2 days.
How and when were you diagnosed?
Audrey has Hypogammaglobulinemia and was diagnosed in May 2022.
How has treatment impacted your life?
It has been for the better. Audrey is on subq of Hizentra and is doing amazing! It’s rare to see her sick. Also, for many years Audrey was “failure to thrive,” and never really gained weight. We had her in feeding therapy and kept trying. Once she started infusions, after a few months she gained weight and is no longer failure to thrive! It’s amazing. It really has changed her overall health for the better.
Why did you decide to start your Instagram page/share your story?
We share to raise awareness and feel a little bit less alone. Audrey loves to tell others she gets plasma weekly to make her healthy.