HOBOKEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Octapharma USA has provided a grant to support the final leg of the inspirational journey of Chris Bombardier, who hopes to become the first person with severe Hemophilia to climb the Seven Summits of the world. In December, Bombardier will begin a climb of Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica at 16,050 feet (4,892 meters) and his sole remaining challenge among the coveted summits.
Earlier this year, Octapharma USA sponsored the Denver, Colorado native’s trek up Mount Everest, the historic mountain in Nepal. Octapharma’s partnership with the mountain climber also includes sponsorship of Bombardier Blood, a documentary scheduled for release in 2018 that will tell his inspirational story.
“It's incredible to have Octapharma as a partner on this climb as well,” said Bombardier, who will leave for Chile in late December to meet with his climbing team before heading to Antarctica. “This will be my last climb in my attempt to summit the highest mountains on each of the seven continents better known as the Seven Summits. I will not only be the first person with Hemophilia to climb this peak, but also the first person with Hemophilia to climb the Seven Summits, something that only around 450 people have ever completed.”
Octapharma USA President Flemming Nielsen said the company’s support for Bombardier and the documentary ties into its goal of creatively demonstrating that bleeding disorders patients, although they are coping with serious illness, can often live life without limits.
“We look to inspire patients and enhance their quality of life in many ways,” said Nielsen. “We really believe it is important for families and patients to understand they can have a good quality of life while managing their bleeding disorder. We are determined to help patients live life to the fullest be it through cutting-edge therapies, support programs or educational initiatives such as the partnership with Chris.”
Production for Bombardier Blood will continue throughout the winter and Bombardier’s climb of Mount Vinson, according to Believe Limited CEO Patrick James Lynch, the documentary’s director and a filmmaker with severe Hemophilia.
“Thank you to Octapharma for continuing to support Chris and our work at Believe Limited, and for helping him complete this extraordinary achievement,” said Lynch. “Bombardier Blood will be submitted into 2018 film festivals starting in the first quarter of 2018.”
About the Octapharma Group
Headquartered in Lachen, Switzerland, Octapharma is one of the largest human protein products manufacturers in the world and has been committed to patient care and medical innovation since 1983. Its core business is the development and production of human proteins from human plasma and human cell lines. Octapharma employs approximately 7,100 people worldwide to support the treatment of patients in over 113 countries with products across the following therapeutic areas: Hematology (coagulation disorders), Immunotherapy (immune disorders) and Critical Care. The company’s American subsidiary, Octapharma USA, is located in Hoboken, N.J. Octapharma operates two state-of-the-art production sites licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), providing a high level of production flexibility. For more information, please visit www.octapharmausa.com.
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