Nick Speaks at Intercept Pharmaceuticals
I had the opportunity to speak to over 150 employees at Intercept Pharmaceuticals on Tuesday, February 28th. I was born with Biliary Atresia, a pediatric liver disease, that required me to have my life-saving liver transplant in 2013. Intercept Pharmaceuticals is evaluating a therapy that could one day be delivered to patients with Biliary Atresia like me, to treat the liver disease and perhaps prevent transplant.
I was honored to speak to the team at Intercept and tell my story. I feel lucky to have received my liver transplant, but it is very exciting to think that there could soon be a therapy that could treat Biliary Artesia (BA) in other kids. It was great to have the chance to tell the team at Intercept how appreciative I am of their efforts.
I was invited to speak by Janet Owens-Grillo, Ph.D., Principal Scientist at Intercept, at their La Jolla office. Intercept is focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics to treat progressive non-viral liver diseases including biliary atresia.
My mom spoke too, and explained what it was like to have a child with Biliary Atresia. My little buddy Trent was there too. Trent
Boaz was also born with BA, but has not had a transplant. This treatment could potentially help him.
“Our biliary atresia team is working extremely hard to find a treatment for this rare disease and it always makes the job easier when we can make a direct connection with the patients we are trying to help,” Said Owens-Grillo.
“Nick is truly inspirational in his outlook on life and the fact that he has already become a leader in the community. To be only 17 and have experienced all that he has and yet be a mentor and a founder of a charitable organization providing hope and inspiration to chronically ill children, their families, and those who have simply had the good fortune to meet Nick, is simply amazing.”
The team at Intercept is not only working hard to save lives, they are helping me provide backpacks for hospitalized kids across the country. They invited me back in March to present me with a generous contribution for Nick’s Picks. Intercept and their WONDERFUL employees donated $7,500 to Nick’s Picks. This will provide 150 backpacks!
I’d like to say a BIG “Thank You” to Intercept Pharmaceuticals for their hard work to find a treatment for Biliary Atresia, and for their generosity.
Click the image to check out the article about my talk in the Del Mar Times
