Christian’s world turned upside down when he was diagnosed with mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), a widely dispersed infection throughout his body. According to Christian’s doctor, Dr. Steve Holland, due to Christian’s symptoms, it was apparent he has an immune dysfunction. Since Christian’s arrival at the Clinical Center in January, Dr. Holland has been trying to pinpoint exactly what his immune dysfunction is.
Christian is involved in a treatment protocol with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). He receives an injection of interferon gamma three times a week, which he is expected to continue for about two years post-treatment. Currently, Christian is unable to walk due to his condition.
“I want to be able to go in the yard and play with the kids.”
With more than 25 years of experience in the field, Dr. Holland says he has seen cases similar to Christian’s but that they are extremely rare. Nonetheless, Dr. Holland is confident that he will be able to get the infection better under control.
As a young father of four children aged 11, 8, 7 and 2, it has been a struggle for Christian and his wife Ali. Ali travels between South Carolina and the NIH every weekend. During the week, she works in order to support the family.
As for his future, Christian hopes that he is better soon so that he can go back to work. He used to be the sole provider for his family, and he says he wants to go back to work so that he can be that provider once again as well as spending more time with his young children.
“I want to be able to go in the yard and play with the kids. I want to be able to go out there and throw the baseball with my little boy, help my little girls on the trampoline with their tumbling,” Christian says.
Friends at NIH is supporting Christian and his family by helping them with their rent. Our generous donors make this possible. Please, consider a donation today to benefit more patients like Christian and his family.
