Man Syndrome and Gammagard

For Willie, life has always been about passion—whether it’s guiding students through Religious and Humanity studies at Gulf Coast University, building a family business with his wife, Lisa and 2 daughters, or creating a warm and welcoming space for coffee lovers through their beloved café, Chocolatte’s. But 15 years ago, his journey took an unexpected turn when his body began to rebel against him.

It started subtly—small losses of control in daily movements, muscle spasms, and an unrelenting internal pain. What seemed like isolated incidents soon escalated, leading Willie to seek answers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. After extensive tests, doctors determined he had an increased startle reaction, along with the stiffness, involuntary muscle movements, and vocal tics that defined Stiff-Man Syndrome (SMS). Though the diagnosis was daunting, it also brought clarity and a path forward.

Willie’s provider found promising research supporting the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), specifically Gammagard, to help reduce symptoms and prevent future progression. The treatment worked! He quickly noticed that following infusions, his vocal tics decreased, and his body felt more at ease. Gammagard became his lifeline, providing him relief while allowing him to continue doing what he loves.

Gammagard is an immune globulin infusion made from human plasma, used to treat various immune-related and neurological conditions. It can help strengthen the body’s immune system by providing antibodies that protect against infections and can help reduce symptoms like muscle stiffness and spasms.

One of the biggest challenges for Willie has been the demanding infusion schedule. Every three weeks, he spends two consecutive days at Sage Infusion, just minutes from his home. While the routine could easily feel overwhelming, the compassionate care he receives makes all the difference. APRN Lexi and RN Marz have become more than medical professionals—they’re like family. Lexi’s thoughtful approach to his treatment, including adding pre-medications and extra fluids to combat post-infusion discomfort, speaks volumes about her dedication to patient care. They joke, they laugh, and they support him through the highs and lows of managing SMS.

That sense of connection doesn’t end at the clinic doors. In a beautiful full-circle moment, members of the Sage Infusion team have even joined Willie at Coffee and Music Night at Chocolatte’s—a testament to the relationships built along the way.

Despite the challenges of living with SMS, Willie refuses to let it define him. His family, his university, and his coffee shop are all reminders of his resilience. Through the continued support of Sage Infusion and the steady relief from Gammagard, Willie finds ways to embrace life, one cup of coffee and one heartfelt conversation at a time.