Hi, everyone! I’m Cassandra, and I am very thankful to have found such a fantastic community in the GT family. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, N, Y, where I was diagnosed with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia at Weill Cornell Medical Center in 1988 at one year old. Since then, top specialists have managed me closely, navigating new challenges each decade brings as a GT woman. As an adult in my 30s, mucosal bleeds are the most prominent issues I continuously face, managed with liquid Amicar.
I genuinely believe everyone with GT is an expert in their own body. Educating physicians and other medical professionals is essential, and being a proactive, involved patient is key to navigating life with GT. Our community knows how important advocacy is with something so unknown to the general population. Since I have GT, I prioritize my health, work out daily, practice yoga, and have an immaculate diet.
My husband and biggest supporter, Michael, and I had the chance to meet many GT community members in Austin, Texas, in 2019, and it was an incredible bonding experience. Having a community reduces the stigma, fear, and isolation that GT can bring. I am fortunate to have lived a whole, active social and professional life.
I am thankful ftothe GT community for sharing resources and being as candid as they are about their experiences. I would especially like to acknowledge Helen Smith, our GT angel, whom I had the great honor of meeting before her passing. We wouldn’t be on this journey together without her tireless advocacy and vision for a global GT community. I also want to thank Dr. Wilcox, who has devoted his life to helping cure GT and giving us all much-needed hope.
