Patient Spotlight: Anthony's Journey with Familial Hypercholesterolemia and LIPOSORBER®
"Every Day Is a Blessing"
At 38 years old, Anthony has a lot to live for. He is a sales growth driver for ChemTreat, a devoted husband to his wife Meghan, and a father to three energetic children: Lila (8), Zoe (6), and James (3). “My hobbies are my three children right now,” Anthony says with a laugh. “We’re truly blessed.”
But behind that gratitude lies a remarkable journey of resilience, perseverance, and determination in the face of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition that dramatically increases LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk.
Today, Anthony is proudly pioneering a new chapter in care as the first patient in New Jersey to receive LIPOSORBER® treatment, helping pave the way for future patients living with FH.
Living with High Cholesterol from a Young Age
Anthony always knew high cholesterol ran in his family. “I knew about the family history of heart disease and elevated cholesterol,” he recalls. “I had elevated LDL levels since high school.”
For years, Anthony worked with doctors to find the right medication regimen. Between ages 20 and 24, he tried several statins to help manage his cholesterol. While medications helped, they weren’t enough.
“My LDL went from around 350 to about 225, but the results weren’t great.”
In 2016, while preparing for his wedding, Anthony finally found answers. After researching lipid specialists, his wife Meghan helped connect him with Dr. Fishberg, who formally diagnosed him with Familial Hypercholesterolemia.
The diagnosis confirmed what Anthony suspected, but what happened next would change his life forever.
A Shocking Discovery at Age 28
Just months before Anthony and Meghan’s wedding, Dr. Fishberg recommended additional cardiac testing. Anthony was confident everything would be fine. “I was working out every day and thought I was in the best shape of my life. I had no symptoms.”
When he underwent a stress test, the results told a very different story. “I failed miserably,” he remembers. “At 28, you feel invincible. It was hard to understand.”
A cardiac catheterization was performed shortly afterwards and revealed devastating news: multiple major coronary arteries were between 90%-100% blocked.
Only three months into married life, Anthony learned he would need open-heart surgery. “God had plans for me,” he says. “Looking back, it’s emotional reliving that journey.”
Family History Made Personal
Anthony’s diagnosis didn’t happen in isolation. The FH-causing LDL receptor mutation has affected generations of his family.
“My grandfather’s side of the family is where the gene comes from. The men in that bloodline all had heart disease.”
Several family members died prematurely before FH was widely understood or effectively treated. Fortunately, advances in modern lipid-lowering therapies have helped alter that trajectory.
Seeing family members affected by cardiovascular disease reinforced Anthony’s commitment to finding every available tool to lower his risk.
When Medications Weren't Enough
Even with an optimized treatment regimen that included statins, Anthony’s cholesterol levels remained higher than desired for someone with established cardiovascular disease.
“At best, my LDL was around 100 to 120.”
While those numbers may be acceptable for many patients, individuals with FH and existing heart disease often require significantly lower LDL-C levels to reduce future cardiovascular risk.
When Anthony’s cardiologist, Dr. Fishberg, recommended Liposorber, Anthony trusted his physician’s guidance. “He was the one who introduced me to LDL apheresis and encouraged me to move forward.”
In July 2026, Anthony began treatment.
Becoming the First Liposorber Patient Treated in New Jersey
As Anthony started Liposorber therapy, he also became part of an important milestone.
He was the first patient treated with Liposorber in New Jersey, helping establish access to therapy for others who may follow a similar path.
For Anthony, that responsibility carries meaning beyond his own health. “What keeps me committed is my family and pioneering the work for future patients.”
Seeing Results
The treatment experience wasn’t easy. Anthony describes feeling exhausted and depleted after his first few sessions. “The first two treatments were tough. I felt exhausted, emotional, and drained.”
By his third treatment, however, he knew something was happening. “I could definitely feel the effects. I stayed hydrated, took Advil, and by the next day I was back to normal.”
Most importantly, the results were undeniable. His LDL-C acutely dropped to 25 mg/dL post treatment session.
Seeing those numbers was reassuring. “It’s motivating.”
For Anthony, the value of treatment goes beyond lab results. “It’s early in the process but knowing I’m decreasing my risk of heart disease is the big silver lining, not only for myself but for my family.”
Looking Ahead
Despite everything he has experienced, Anthony remains remarkably positive. He doesn’t view his journey through the lens of fear or limitations. Instead, he focuses on gratitude, family, and purpose.
“Every day is a journey and a blessing,” he says. “It’s your attitude and outlook that have the most impact on what we all try to achieve with our time here.”
For others living with FH who may be struggling to find effective treatment options, his message is simple: “Don’t give up.”
Anthony’s journey is a powerful reminder that while FH can be a lifelong challenge, advances in treatment and early intervention can help patients take meaningful steps toward managing cardiovascular risk and protecting the moments that matter most.
For LIPOSORBER Indications for Use and other safety information, please visit: https://liposorber.com/liposorber-safety-info