Novo Nordisk (NJ) Kicks Off HeroPath™ Life Coach Program For Teens and Young Adults With Hemophilia

PLAINSBORO, N.J., Aug. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk announced the launch of the HeroPath Life Coach Program, an empowering, yearlong program that connects teens and young adults with life coach and peer support. Novo Nordisk has partnered with Jeffrey Leiken, creator of HeroPath and Master Trainer at Evolution Mentoring, to offer this program to young people with hemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors. The program kicked off last weekend and will continue with personalized coaching over the next year. 

HeroPath is designed to help teens and young adults during this critical transitional stage in their lives through the development of a personal core success strategy. Throughout the weekend, participants and coaches took part in dynamic group sessions, as well as one-on-one discussions about personal and professional success, including developing positive relationships and decision-making skills, identifying strengths, gaining confidence, and making thoughtful career decisions.

"The kickoff weekend was an intensive, introductory training during which participants met their coaches for the first time and began their immersion in exploring key aspects of life direction, such as career and relationships," said Jeffrey Leiken. "Working with Novo Nordisk to offer HeroPath to teens and young adults living with hemophilia reinforces the value of a comprehensive support system."

The program was inspired by data uncovered through Novo Nordisk's Hemophilia Experiences, Results, and Opportunities (HERO) initiativethe largest international study on the psychosocial impact of hemophilia on patients and their loved onessupporting the need for additional education on how to manage life transitions and interpersonal relationships.^1,2 People living with hemophilia reported not only that hemophilia creates additional burden and stress in their daily lives, but also that they are worried about the impact the disorder may have on their future years.^1,2

"Through feedback from leaders within the hemophilia community, we uncovered the need to provide coaching for teens and young adults living with hemophilia during this evolving and often challenging time," said Eddie Williams, Senior Vice President, BioPharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk. "Novo Nordisk is providing this first-of-its-kind offering to teens and young adults with hemophilia with the hope of making a real difference in their lives."

To learn more about HeroPath and for updates on the program, visit Novo Nordisk's Changing Possibilities in Hemophilia^® website at http://www.changingpossibilities-us.com/general/heropath.aspx.

About Novo Nordisk

Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global health care company with 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy, and hormone replacement therapy. For more information, visit www.novonordisk-us.com or follow our news in the United States on Twitter: @novonordiskus.

References

1. Guelcher C, Rice M, et al. Hemophilia impacts interpersonal relationships, intimacy and family dynamics: US results from Hemophilia Experiences, Results, and Opportunities (HERO) study. NHF's 64^th Annual Meeting. November 810, 2012.
2. Nugent DJ, Guelcher C, et al. Hemophilia Experiences, Results, and Opportunities (HERO) study: US respondent demographics and impact of diagnosis on career and lifestyle decisions and quality of life. 54^th Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American Society of Hematology. December 811, 2012.

HeroPath is a trademark of Likone Corporation.
Changing Possibilities in Hemophilia^® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk Health Care AG.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk