It is with shock and deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Dr Gabriele Calizzani.
Gabriele was a deeply valued, dedicated and active member of the Italian and European bleeding disorder communities. Both doctor and patient himself, he dedicated himself tirelessly to his national patient organisation FedEmo, serving as its President from 2008-2014, his national healthcare system, and the European patient and medical community.
Gabriele was a well-respected member of EHC Steering Committee, on which he served from 2005-2012. During his time with us, he not only built strong bridges between doctors and patients in Europe, but also played instrumental parts in the EU-funded projects EUHASS (European Haemophilia Safety Surveillance) and EUHANET (European Haemophilia Network).
The importance of Gabriele’s contribution to EUHANET cannot be overstated. He was the leading force behind creating the standards by which today’s haemophilia treatment centres are tiered and certified (as either European Comprehensive Care Centres or European Haemophilia Treatment Centres). This work was pivotal and historic, and shall continue to leave a long and lasting footprint in Europe.
The EHC deeply mourns the sudden and shocking loss of our friend, colleague and fellow patient leader. May Gabriele’s family and loved ones know that our extended European community stands and grieves with you.
Riposare in pace.
Jim is aged 66 and has Haemophilia A with a high titer inhibitor which he developed at age 14.
Maria Elisa Mancuso (MD, PhD) is a Haematologist and works as a Senior Haematology Consultant at the Center for Thrombosis and Haemorrhagic Diseases of IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital in Rozzano, Milan, Italy. She is Adjunct Clinical Professor at Humanitas University. She obtained a post-degree in Clinical and Experimental Haematology and a PhD in Clinical Methodology. She is involved in clinical research and has published several original articles in peer-reviewed journals a The Lancet, Blood, Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Haematologica, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, British Journal of Haematology and Haemophilia. She is reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals and member of the Editorial Board of JTH. She is a member of several scientific societies (ISTH, WFH, ASH, EAHAD, SISET, AICE) and was a medical member of the Inhibitor Working Group of the European Hemophilia Consortium. She is co-chair of the ADVANCE Study Group. She has acted also as co-chair of the Scientific and Standardization Subcommittee of ISTH on FVIII, FIX and rare bleeding disorders. She has been involved as principal and co-investigator in several clinical trials, and she takes care of both children and adults with hemophilia and other congenital bleeding disorders with a specific scientific interest in novel therapies, prophylaxis, inhibitors, and chronic hepatitis C.
As a patient with factor II deficiency, the diagnostic and treatment of rare bleeding disorders is a matter dear to my heart. My motivation to participate in the work of the ERIN committee is to improve both diagnostic and treatment for patients with rare bleeding disorders across Europe.
Economist and financial expert by profession, executive coach and trainer by passion and haemophilia advocate by every drop of my blood through my son (who has severe haemophilia A with inhibitors). Bringing a good decade of practical experience from the corporate insurance world, laser focus, growth mindset and resilience from my own experience, offering you anything I can just do, in hope that together we can make life more fulfilled for those impacted by bleeding disorders.
Amy Owen-Wyard is a Registered Mental Health Nurse. With experience working with children, young people, their families and adults with severe and enduring mental health conditions. Amy was also involved in a service improvement to provide a holistic care approach for those in general hospitals to support both their mental and physical health, whilst sharing her expertise and knowledge in mental health with the wider multidisciplinary team.
