I’m thankful some salespeople prioritize well-being over profits

Last week, my wife, Cazandra, and I attended the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation’s (NBDF) annual symposium. As parents of two adult sons who have severe hemophilia A, or factor VIII deficiency, we’re familiar with the lay of the land.

The conference provided a space for us to discover new treatment products and connect with the bleeding disorders community. When our sons were young, we attended these meetings faithfully, hoping to learn from the NBDF and spend time with friends and loved ones.

One of the many things we learned concerned the motives of some sales representatives. We quickly discovered a marked difference between those looking to make a quick buck and those wanting to build lasting relationships. I could easily recognize the salespeople who looked at patients as if they had dollar signs above their heads. They didn’t show any concern for the family; they simply wanted to pitch their company’s latest and greatest products.

Once, when our sons were younger, they attended an annual meeting with Cazandra and me. Before we walked into the exhibit hall, I warned them, “Do not sign anything. Some people here do not have the best intentions regarding your health. If you get into an uncomfortable situation, let your mom and me know, and we will take care of the problem.” Our boys agreed to let us know if anything happened, then scurried away to see what fantastic giveaway items the various industry booths had to offer.

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At the most recent symposium, Cazandra and I spoke with salespeople we know and respect. We caught them up on our sons’ newest conquests, laughed about past exploits, and reflected on projects we’d worked on together to help our community. We shared updates about loved ones and mourned those who are no longer with us. It felt like we’d stepped out of the craziness of the exhibit hall and into a sacred space that only good friends can share.

As we stood with our people, I felt protected from those who saw only dollar signs when they looked at patients. We established a safe cocoon, a fortress of solitude, surrounded only by those who wanted the best for our family. Having that safe place to land reminded us that our community is built on trust and relationships.

Money does play a role in the bleeding disorders world, but it’s not what binds us. The salespeople I know have a rich history with our community. They’ve earned the respect and trust of families by focusing on care and compassion instead of profit. They stand by us, offering support and guidance.

I still see manipulative practices by salespeople who prioritize profit over patient well-being. Given my 29-plus years of experience in this community, I work to educate our newest members on how to avoid these types of representatives.

A small group of people did the same for Cazandra and me as we traversed the terrifying beginnings of hemophilia. They made us feel loved and like we belonged. We hope to return the favor to younger families who are struggling and help steer them away from salespeople who don’t have their best interests at heart.

Note: Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.