Billy Wayne Hook, Jr.
Castleman’s Disease Patient
Patient Advocate, MD Anderson Hospital
Texas, United States
Prior to his illness, Billy Wayne Hook, Jr., was a designer for HVAC/ Mechanical for both new construction and for the remodeling of hospitals and office buildings. After suffering serious symptoms, Wayne was finally diagnosed with MultiCentric Castleman’s Disease in January, 2007. He spent most of two years undergoing diagnoses and treatment in several hospitals before doctors at MD Anderson confirmed his diagnosis. When Wayne arrived at MD Anderson, he was out of options and his life expectancy was down to days. After a last ditch effort to control his symptoms ended with a severe allergic reaction to Retoxin, Wayne needed oxygen, was wheelchair bound, and had Denver catheters in both lungs. Consequently, Dr. Kurzrock and the staff at MD Anderson fought diligently to get him accepted in a clinical program approved by the FDA. Thanks to them, Wayne is now stabilized and continues with a set treatment regimen using the Anti-IL6 drug.
Mr. Hook is honored to be participating at the International Castleman’s Disease Summit this year. Because of his gratefulness and his desire to give back, he has become an advocate in cooperation with MD Anderson Hospital. He makes himself available as a resource to other patients who have been newly diagnosed with Castleman’s. They can relate to him and ask questions about the clinical program.
Video Interview with Billy Wayne Hook, recorded at the ICDO Summit 2009:
Audio Interview with Billy Wayne Hook, recorded at the ICDO Summit 2009: