Client Spotlight: Christian H

Horizons in Hemophilia, April 2012

By Cathy Hulbert, LCSW, Social Worker

When Christian H., 24, was growing up with Factor IX Deficiency, he knew that he had some extra challenges in life that other kids did not seem to have. But he also knew that hemophilia summer camp was an experience that brought so much joy to his life. That is why Christian decided that he wanted to use his talents as a fashion designer to give back to the hemophilia community. He donated a gorgeous children’s dress that was a popular bidding item at the last Hit 'Em for Hemophilia Golf Tournament auction, sponsored by Hemophilia of Georgia.

The highest bidder was an HoG client who has two young daughters. He and his wife fell in love with the adorable golf-theme fabric and design of the dress. It meant a great deal to them that it was created by a member of the bleeding disorder community. The golf tournament supports research for a cure for bleeding disorders.

As a highly creative person with a strong work ethic, Christian stays incredibly busy. He has his own fashion line, “Autonomous by Christian.” He also is very generous. He took some time to give an insider’s viewpoint on the fashion world and to talk about being on that path as someone with severe hemophilia.

“I made the decision to pursue a career in fashion when I was a junior in high school. When I was very young my uncle would illustrate garments, have them made and produce his own fashion shows. His illustrations were so beautiful I have to credit them with being my initial inspiration,” Christian said. I began trying to trace his designs and draw my own somewhere around the age of three.”

Christian now works to support himself while attending graduate school at The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). He got his bachelor’s degree (BFA) in fashion marketing and design at American InterContinental University (AIU) in May of 2009.

“Working on creative degrees involves putting forth more effort and work than ever I could have predicted. It requires a lot of time management,” he said.  “Sometimes it has been hard having hemophilia and being so driven. But I also know that there are far worse conditions than hemophilia. I love the hemophilia and bleeding disorders community more than words can say. The experiences that I had at summer camp are invaluable to me. I was fortunate enough to have older people with hemophilia as my mentors at camp and they showed me that hemophilia didn’t limit my possibilities but was just a ‘character building’ experience and matter of personal responsibility.”

For most of his adult life Christian accomplished his goals while being uninsured and reliant on HoG’s state-funded program for factor. 

“Healthcare reform has made life less stressful for the time being. Without it I know that I would still be on the same path because I will not allow myself to succumb to any circumstance. But to see the days of rationing factor behind me has been the ultimate relief. I do feel that healthcare reform can empower a lot of us to chase our dreams. Everyone in our community knows just how precious life is. Life is entirely too short and uncertain to spend it unhappy. For all of my personal struggles, I enjoy my life, largely because I have a trade that brings me so much happiness. “

“When we make ourselves proud we obtain a validation that is all our own, no one else can give it or take it. Sometimes we let ourselves down and that is okay because it gives us a basis self-evaluation we can use as a tool for growth.”

“My greatest dream regarding my life and career is just to be happy,” he said. "I do not know where my journey will take me but I will enjoy every step of the march. My goals and dreams are bigger than illness.”  He added: “For anyone considering a career in fashion I would say to be absolutely sure you love what it is you want to do because fortune isn’t promised. I feel very fortunate to have a trade that is fulfilling and offers the possibility of a fruitful career. The fashion industry is very much a global community and a diverse background and wealth of knowledge is a vital asset.”

“In my personal opinion one of the major ‘cons’ of the fashion industry is that creativity, quality and innovation take a back seat to the demands of mass production. That, coupled with the corporatization of fashion leaves little room for creative minds to blaze new trails.”

“But the “pros” are endless. I have enjoyed riding the waves of opportunity that have come my way. The unexpected avenues I come across give me an opportunity to explore my creativity in a new way, ways I may have never explored on my own. I do see myself teaching in the future because I love the classroom environment as well taking the opportunity to give others the same gift my teachers have given me.”

The HoG staff was very moved by the creative gift of the little golf dress from a client who wanted to give back. Christian’s gift has inspired the agency to ask if other clients want to donate their talents to help raise money for HoG programs and services.  Please contact Vic McCarty or your social worker if you would like to use your talents to help the bleeding disorder community in Georgia.