Because Of His Treatment, Sam Can March In The School Band

Sam has been dealing with a chronic neurological disorder that can cause numbness, weakness and pain since he was 10. Now 18, his therapy lets him to go to school and even fulfill his dream of marching in the school band.

Sam was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) when he was 10 years old. He is now 18 and has been in and out of treatment for this disorder that can slow one’s reflexes and cause numbness, weakness and even pain in their arms and legs — with unfortunately high odds of needing a wheelchair.

After a slow, steady decline and another relapse, he has been undergoing immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) for nearly five years. IVIG has been a gift, allowing him to lead a surprisingly normal life. Sam has managed to keep his grades up in school, and even maintains a good social life. He credits the infusions for his strength and ability to undertake moderate physical activities — including playing in the school’s marching band.