Carl Schlacht
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"I hope to give kids and young adults with immune system disorders, like myself, the inspiration to follow their dreams and not be hindered by their condition."
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Condition: Primary Immunodeficiency
Therapy: Hizentra
®, (Immune Globulin Subcutaneous, 20% Liquid)
With an appetite for speed and adventure, Carl Schlacht began riding a 4-wheeler when he was only 3 years old. Before long, Carl transitioned from 4 wheels to 2, and began competing in local Motocross races. Motocross is a sport that involves racing off-road motorcycles on outdoor, natural terrain tracks.
“I love that it’s all me on the bike,” said Carl. "It just feels good when you’re out there, and you’re in a race and winning."
In 2005, Carl achieved his dream of becoming a professional Supercross racer. Supercross is an extreme sport that consists of racing off-road motorcycles on man-made dirt tracks with steep jumps and obstacles. It is for professionals only and races are exclusively held in major stadiums and arenas.
Today, Carl’s one of approximately 80 pros who tour the United States each January through May competing in front of tens of thousands of race fans who fill the large venues where these events take place. Several of the races in which Carl competes are also broadcast on international television, occasionally reaching fans in more than 180 countries around the world.
To compete at a high-level, Carl practices daily, undergoes intensive training during the months leading up to the season, and repairs his motorcycle as needed. Carl does all of this while managing a chronic condition called
primary immunodeficiency
(PI).
PI (also known as PID or PIDD) constitutes a group of more than 150 disorders, genetic in nature, that affect the cells, tissues and organs of one’s immune system. For the estimated 10 million people worldwide who are living with PI, the immune system is either deficient or functioning inadequately, leaving them highly susceptible to various types of infection. Carl was diagnosed with the disorder when he was a year old.
“It’s hard to say if the condition has impacted me. I’ve had primary immunodeficiency my whole life, so I don’t know what it feels like to be 100 percent healthy all of the time,” Carl said.
Carl also remains committed to managing his condition. Currently, he treats the disorder with
Hizentra from
CSL Behring. Hizentra, indicated for the treatment of primary humoral immunodeficiency (in the US), is the first and only 20 percent subcutaneous (i.e., under the skin) immunoglobulin (SCIg) approved in the US, Canada and Europe. Hizentra can be stored at room temperature throughout its entire 30-month shelf life. This allows Carl to self-administer his therapy in any appropriate setting that fits his needs, providing added convenience when he’s traveling during racing season.
"Racing off-road motorcycles is definitely a tough, physical sport. I’ve been doing it my whole life. It’s what I love to do,” Carl said. “I hope to give kids and young adults with immune system disorders, like myself, the inspiration to follow their dreams and not be hindered by their condition."
When he isn’t at the track, Carl enjoys staying active by spending time with his family and friends and teaching others how to ride.
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Contact for Personal Stories:
Greg Healy
Senior Manager, Communications & Public Relations
Commercial Operations
610-878-4841
greg.healy@cslbehring.com