Are you grateful for bile? You should be. But chances are you never think about the importance of this chemical compound that’s found in the liver–until it’s not there, or not working properly. Bile acid breaks down cholesterol, which, if left unchecked, can cause irreparable damage to the liver, and even lead to neurologic disease. People with this condition suffer from metabolic disorders known as bile acid synthesis disorders (BASD).
Without healthy bile acids, the body become progressively toxic and the liver takes the toll. Fortunately, there is treatment in the form of bile replacement therapies. In BASD cases where that therapy is not enough, a liver transplant may be an option. Of course, treatment can be costly, but there’s help.
The Caring Voice Coalition (CVC) supports people with BASD and other rare diseases who have no place to turn when they need help paying for treatment.
In addition to financial assistance, CVC provides insurance and disability education and counseling, and aid programs for insured or underinsured patients. CVC is a non-profit organization with the goal of empowering and supporting people with chronic and rare disorders and their families and caregivers. CVC an awesome resource not only for people with BASD, but also for those who suffer from complex partial seizures, Cushing syndrome, cutaneous lymphoma, Gaucher disease, Huntington disease, infantile spasms, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, and thalassemia syndromes.
