At Hemophilia Outreach Center, we’re committed to more than just medicine — we’re committed to people. Gene therapy is a groundbreaking treatment, but what makes it truly meaningful are the people behind it — the patients who face each day with courage, the care teams who prepare with precision, and the leaders who ensure every individual feels seen, heard, and supported.
In this video series, we’re bringing together the voices of patients and staff — including Dave, who has lived with severe hemophilia A his entire life — as he shares why he chose to pursue gene therapy and why he believes more treatment centers should offer it as an option for their patients. For Dave, it’s not just about access — it’s about empowering others to make informed decisions about their future.
Dave has lived with severe hemophilia A his entire life. From a young age, he was active — often pushing his limits, trying to keep up with his older brother, and never wanting to sit on the sidelines. That energy came at a cost. He bled often. He endured painful injuries. And over time, he learned to live with the reality that treatment would always be part of his routine.
Still, he never stopped looking forward — always hoping for something better.
As treatments evolved, Dave tried them. He transitioned through new therapies, seeking out the best options to manage his condition and improve his quality of life. So when gene therapy became a possibility, he didn’t hesitate to learn more. What he found was a treatment unlike anything else — and a center that truly had his back.
The preparation process was thorough. The risks were laid out clearly. But for Dave, the decision wasn’t about fear — it was about opportunity.
“I’ve gone through so many different treatments in my life that I was just ready to accept whatever the consequences were or could be — and to take the risk to potentially improve my life.”
— Dave Novak, Gene Therapy Patient
At HOC, that approach to care — offering knowledge, not pressure — made all the difference. Dave felt confident not just because of the science, but because of the transparency. The team wasn’t just there to administer treatment; they were there to walk alongside him, support his decisions, and provide the follow-through that high-level care demands.
“The option needs to be presented to patients because if some patients don’t even know that this exists, I feel like it kind of does a disservice to them. They need to have the knowledge that it’s there and the ability to decide if it’s something they want to do or not.”
— Dave Novak, Gene Therapy Patient
That willingness to take a leap is something HOC respects deeply. Every patient has a different threshold, a different lived experience. For Dave, gene therapy wasn’t just a clinical milestone — it was the next evolution in a lifetime of advocating for himself and seeking out the best possible care.
Today, he speaks not just as someone who received gene therapy, but as someone who believes in patient empowerment. His story is a call to other treatment centers: give patients the information, offer the support, and trust them to make the right choice for themselves.
Looking Ahead Together
Gene therapy for hemophilia represents a new chapter in bleeding disorder care — and HOC is proud to be part of that progress. But even more than that, we’re proud to support our patients with the same level of commitment we always have: personalized, compassionate, full-spectrum care.
Our approach doesn’t change with new treatments — it evolves. We remain focused on education, partnership, and walking alongside each individual on their unique path.
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