We know what you are thinking, "What the heck is HHT? And WHO is Captain Jim anyway?!"
HHT (Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome, HHT is an inherited disease that leads to malformed blood vessels in multiple organs of the body and typically begins with nosebleeds during childhood. Most individuals do not find out about this diagnosis until it is too late, if ever. HHT is more common than Cystic Fibrosis and Muscular Dystrophy, yet still so many individuals, including some health professionals, have yet to hear about this complicated disease. To find out more, click here: curehht.org
Captain Jim, a family friend of business owner, Robert Molnar, was an avid boater and kayaker who loved the city of Gibraltar, sunshine, and an ice cold beer. Everybody loved Captain Jim. After being diagnosed with papillary renal cell carcinoma, his battle was not so easy, delaying and preventing treatment to aid in his quality of life, despite the unfortunate cancer diagnosis itself. Captain Jim seemed to have complication after complication including multiple blood transfusions, multiple AVM's throughout his organs, among several other setbacks. Despite his battle, the Captain did not lose his smile or upbeat attitude. In fact, he lived by the motto, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog."
Within less than a month prior to his passing in 2015, Captain Jim and his family were notified that he had this rare disease, called HHT. Something one doctor mentioned out of 100's who treated him. The complications began to make more sense to his treatment team upon this discovery. Something that is manageable and can be treated appropriately.
It was discovered that his family, including all 3 of his children, all 4 of his siblings, and several others' have this unfortunate disease, yet not one of them knew it until Captain Jim's story. He paved the way for family members to get tested and have their care managed appropriately, like everyone deserves.
We have a mission to raise awareness for HHT and someday find a cure. This one is for you, Captain! You have the best seat in the house on June 3rd.
