Donor spotlight: Woody Hutsell

Woody Hutsell first learned about the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) in 2000 after going through multiple years of repeat sinus infections. Due to the sinus infections, Woody was prescribed numerous antibiotics causing a spike in his liver enzymes. This ultimately caused him to be referred to a liver specialist who would diagnose him with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) after tests showed his protein and IGG levels were low. 

After being diagnosed, Woody began researching CVID and primary immunodeficiencies (PI). He found IDF and learned that he needed to see an immunologist to receive proper treatment. Being a Texas native, Woody needed an immunologist specifically located in his area. Woody came to find IDF board member Dr. William Shearer* on the IDF website, who at the time, was leading the allergy and immunology practice at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Because of this, Woody has been receiving care and treatment from the outstanding immunologists at Texas Children’s Hospital ever since. 

Once IDF hosted its first IDF Walk for PI event in Houston, Woody was immediately interested in participating. He thought it would be an excellent opportunity to connect with PI members and thank the array of IDF partners that manufacture the immunoglobulins that the PI community needs to thrive. What he didn’t expect was to continue to come back year after year (even if that meant driving up to Dallas to participate!). 

“I keep coming back because I believe in IDF's mission.  My hope is that by raising money for IDF, I can promote awareness of PI so that patients are diagnosed more quickly.” Woody continues to explain, “I participate because I believe the research money raised by the walks is put to good use on problems that PI patients care about, I can meet up with my many friends in the PI community, and because I get a chance to meet some of the companies involved in my care and thank them for their efforts and products.”

In 2020, Woody raised over $1,125 becoming an IDF order of the Zebra. Woody admits that he does become uncomfortable asking friends and family for donations. However, he’s learned over the years that people can’t help if they don’t know about the cause, and explaining what PI is and what IDF does when asking for a donation can lead to PI awareness and help others discover a condition that they or their kids may have. Woody also adds that most people are happy to help once you work up the courage to ask. 

For the 2021 walk season, Woody’s goal is to raise over $2,500. On top of this, he encourages people to donate plasma and educate individuals on the importance of plasma. To help support this goal, he even plans to contribute money to the walk on behalf of friends and family who donate plasma. 

He wants the PI community to know that there are always great opportunities to get involved with the PI community, whether you are a fundraiser or not. You can always donate plasma, participate in a Get Connected Group, or join a Walk Team along with so many other opportunities available on IDF’s website.

If Woody’s story inspires you, or you want to get involved in IDF Walk for PI, please visit www.walkforpi.org to sign up today. And be sure to check out Woody’s team called Plasma Saves Lives participating in IDF Walk for PI: Coast to Coast. If you want to be involved but don’t have a team, he encourages you to register as his teammate!

*Dr. William Shearer was a supporter and active in helping the PI community until his passing at the age of 81 on Tuesday, October 9, 2018.