Personal Stories

Perry Parker

Professional golfer Perry Parker once qualified for the U.S. Open Championship when a young Tiger Woods did not. During his career, Perry has competed in the Open three times, made nine career holes-in-one and outplayed his childhood idol, Tom Watson, when the two were paired at the Hong Kong Open.

To accomplish these feats Perry had to work hard, remain confident and manage a hereditary bleeding disorder.

"I was diagnosed with hemophilia A as a baby," Perry said. "But I really didn't experience many bleeding episodes until I was about 10 years old and started to participate in physical activities."

Hemophilia A primarily affects males and is the most common type of the disorder. When injured, a person with hemophilia runs the risk of bleeding longer than a person without the condition.

Perry manages his hemophilia A with Helixate^® FS, a recombinant factor VIII product. This therapy helps give him the confidence to remain active.

"Growing up I was told that sports and hemophilia don't go together," Perry said. "But that's not true because staying active is critical when managing a bleeding disorder."

Perry partnered with CSL Behring to teach kids who are managing a bleeding disorder about golf and the health benefits of an active lifestyle. Through the company's Gettin' in the Game^SM Junior National Championship (JNC) program, Perry travels the country hosting clinics while stressing the importance of keeping muscles healthy and joints strong.

"It is the most rewarding thing I've ever done in my life. To see the looks on the kids' faces as they learn to play golf and watching their parents' reactions is amazing," Perry said. "When children with a bleeding disorder believe in themselves, pursue their dreams and work hard, great things can happen."

Whether teaching kids an appropriate swing or competing at the highest level, Perry credits many of his successes on the golf course to living with hemophilia.

"I truly believe the mental toughness I developed managing a bleeding disorder has helped me overcome the adversity and challenges I encounter on the course," he said. "Golf is such a great activity for kids with a bleeding disorder because it's a game they can play throughout their entire life."