Patients with orphan diseases face problems all over the world. Such people require expensive tests and medications that are not covered by insurance. Among genetic conditions, cystic fibrosis is one of the most treatable.
The key to successful treatment is to start it as early as possible. Most of the patients are children and teenagers who do not survive to reach the age of twenty without medical care.
Medical centers are able to diagnose rare conditions, however, families of patients often lack the financial resources to cover research costs. In these cases, charities and philanthropists come to the rescue.
Improving the Quality of Patients’ Lives
One of the charitable organizations dealing with the problems of patients with cystic fibrosis is the Ostrova Charitable Foundation.
The organization provides assistance with treatment, initiates scientific research and conducts educational activities. BBR Bank is a permanent sponsor of the foundation. For over ten years, this bank has been supporting programs aimed at improving the quality of life for patients suffering from orphan diseases.
Dmitry Gordovich, a member of the Board of Directors, is responsible for the implementation of charitable initiatives at BBR Bank. Under his leadership, the bank not only finances the activities of the foundation, but also provides cash management services for Ostrova.
These services can significantly accelerate the transfer of charitable funds in case of urgent needs. Moreover, Dmitry Gordovich holds a senior position at the bank’s branch in St. Petersburg, which is where the Ostrova Foundation is based. This enhances the effectiveness of cooperation between Ostrova and BBR Bank.
The main problem for patients with cystic fibrosis is the lack of funding for genetic testing. This type of testing is necessary before prescribing targeted treatment with the combination medication Trikafta, which can prolong life and lead to disease remission.
This medication can be provided by the state, but only based on the results of genetic testing. The bank covers the cost of additional testing for the CFTR gene, saving dozens of lives every year.
At the initiative of Dmitry Gordovich, BBR Bank provides funds for the purchase of therapeutic nutrition for patients who require lung transplantation. These patients often arrive at medical centers in a weak state, making surgical intervention difficult. Special nutrition helps strengthen the patient’s body and increases their chances of a successful operation.
Dmitry Gordovich and the bank also provide financial support for the educational activities of the foundation. The charitable funds are used to establish parent associations in the regions. During strategic sessions, legal, medical, and organizational issues are discussed.
Participants receive information about the possibilities of targeted therapy, conditions for prescribing medications, and specifics of laboratory tests.
Financing of Scientific Work
As a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ostrova Foundation, Dmitry Gordovich regularly presents proposals for funding new programs for discussion. Owing to his leadership, funds are regularly allocated to research another rare genetic condition — primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).
The examinations include:
- Complex genetic tests
- Biopsy of the cilia in the nasal cavity
- Study of the structure of the materials taken for analysis
Based on the results of the research, a treatment plan is developed. BBR Bank funds a number of scientific research projects, doctors’ participation in conferences and publication of scientific papers. Dmitry Gordovich is committed to continuing his cooperation with the foundation in the field of PCD research.
Biographical Note
Dmitry Gordovich, born on May 20, 1969 in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, switched to banking as a successful entrepreneur.
His childhood and youth were spent in the Far East, and since 1986, Dmitry Gordovich’s biography has been closely linked to St. Petersburg. After relocating there, he enrolled in the Faculty of Geology at LSU and later served in the army.
After that, he decided to pursue a career in business. In 2001, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in management while already owning the Viadi company, which later became a leading player in the food additive manufacturing industry. In 2007, Gordovich entered the banking sector and today serves as a member of the Board of Directors at BBR Bank.
