Oh the Possibilities!!!

One of our very “OWN” is running for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives!! Can you believe it?

When Anthony Tezak was born with severe hemophilia on November 22, 1983 in the small town of Steelton in central Pennsylvania, his parents never thought they were holding a future member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly! Well what parents would? In 1983, the hemophilia community was sitting in the middle of a nightmare, the HIV epidemic. The national community of patients, reliant on factor replacement therapies, was not looking to the future, they were focused on an unfolding tragedy, caused by decisions of the past. Their sacrifices would be immense, their losses monumental and their lives would be torn apart on every level. And the impact would go on for decades. And the isolation of it all still does, for those who would somehow survive. Anthony’s parents were not focused on the possibilities for a little baby in Steelton, Pennsylvania. They were praying for his survival.

As Anthony puts it “I was diagnosed at nine months with severe hemophilia. When I was little, my mom made sure I never received factor concentrate. I would sit on the couch with ice on my bleed for weeks at a time until it would finally resolve. I have a big extended family, so my parents set up an elaborate system of family donors to keep a ready supply of cryoprecipitate for me and for my brother, Josh (ditto on hemophilia for Josh, as well). Looking back, my parents have faired pretty well, even though they had to work so hard to make sure Josh and I had the best care in the safest way.

Although I have less than 1% factor VIII, I didn’t have my first joint bleed until I was twelve years old. Josh and I stayed in shape by working out at the Hetrick Center in what was breakthrough technology….a treadmill in a pool which helped build our joints and muscles to be strong enough to resolve bleeds quicker because our muscles and joints were incredibly strong.

Home treatment for my hemophilia gave me possibilities. I went on to college at Penn State University and will be graduating this year with a communications degree. Now, as an employee of a large insurance company working in pharmacy prior authorization, I can see the struggles of people in Pennsylvania who have chronic expensive diseases. Patients must sometimes choose between paying their heating bill or getting their medicine. It bothers me to see policies of insurance companies that are negatively affecting the lives of real people. Restricting access to needed medicine because the medicine you need is not on an insurance company’s “formulary” is becoming common practice. I don’t like Medicare Part D because basic medications are not covered. People in Pennsylvania deserve better.

Insurance companies in Pennsylvania should not deny patient access to medicines and services when they are reporting record profits in their health insurance divisions. Is it the rising cost of healthcare really…or is it rising profits? We need good legislation in Pennsylvania like HB 1705…. legislation that will protect patient access to factor therapies, home supportive services and appropriate medical care. Is that really asking too much?

Property tax reform is also on my radar screen and if elected to the 103rd legislative district, it will be a focus of my efforts. The primary election is May 16th and the general election is November 7th. As the Republican candidate, I am hopeful that I will make a difference if elected. Thanks to the dedication of my family and the advent of treatment for people with hemophilia like me, the possibilities of what I can do are endless.”

Post note: The 103rd legislative district covers the City of Harrisburg, Steelton, Highspire and Wards 1 and 3 of Swatara Township (Enhaut, Oberlin and Bressler). Anyone wishing to volunteer on election day at the polls or work in the campaign headquarters can do so by calling 717-704-0119 or you can visit Anthony’s website <electtezak.com> and click on the “contract” link. Donations can also be made via secure PAYPAL on the site or by sending a check/money order to:

Committee To Elect Anthony J. Tezak, Jr.
101 S. Front Street
Steelton, PA 17113

Have a question or issue for Anthony? Call him at 717-704-0119. You may just give him another idea for a POSSIBILITY!!!

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