Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Karate, hemophilia

It would seem that taking up karate (or any martial art for that matter) would not be the best option when you're diagnosed with severe hemophilia (the oldest known hereditary bleeding disorder, where there's low levels or complete absence of a blood protein essential for blood clotting).

However there are those who defy the odds, and gets great help by the advances in medicine.

Story:
New York -- Bill Ryan has met a lot of impressive people in his role as a Syracuse common councilor, but when it comes to heroes, he looks no further than his own home and his son.

“Billy was born with severe factor 8 hemophilia, diagnosed days after birth. As a small child, he had to wear pads on his knees and elbows and a helmet because if he hit his head, there could be catastrophic consequences,” Bill Ryan said.

Advances in medicine helped. Billy could do more, and Bill and Jennifer Ryan allowed heir son to do just that.

Billy Ryan went on to be an athlete, even earning a second degree belt in karate. With an infusion three times a week of a factor that helps suppress his hemophilia, he has never limited his physical activity.

Source

No comments: