Story | Community impact
Prognosis positive: Creating healthier futures one patient at a time
In this series, we’re highlighting some of the inspiring patient* journeys that have been touched by our dedicated team members. We know there’s a person or animal in need at the end of every delivery, and that drives us to do everything we can to facilitate the smoothest patient experiences possible, around the corner and around the world.
*Disclaimer: To protect patient privacy, all identifying details have been changed. Visual portrayals of patients are based on stock images.
Helping Jennifer breathe freely again
During emergency situations, our Consumer Products team can provide nimble support to help improve outcomes for everyone involved. In this case, Sarah was urgently seeking a vital respiratory device for her daughter Jennifer, but she faced significant insurance hurdles and had difficulty locating an available device. She reached out to the manufacturer for help, and they promptly contacted Cencora for local assistance.
Anna, a replenishment buyer at Cencora, quickly identified that our Seattle distribution center had the device in stock. Alexandra, a Cencora category manager, further supported the effort by compiling a list of local pharmacies for the family. Sarah was then able to secure the device for her child from a nearby provider. She later expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Cencora team for their invaluable support in getting Jennifer exactly what she needed to improve her breathing. By working together, our team members were able to help this family navigate the complex healthcare system and reach a positive outcome.
Connecting Carlos with a bone marrow match
Carlos, a twelve-year-old from Uruguay, faced a life-or-death situation that required an urgent bone marrow transplant. The search for a matching donor led to Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei (DKMS), an international non-profit organization dedicated to fighting blood cancers. When they found a suitable donor in Chile, a new challenge emerged: transporting the delicate donation under strict conditions. World Courier, a Cencora company, stepped in to orchestrate a successful delivery by meticulously planning every aspect of the shipment. Using our innovative “okay to send” process, we prepared all necessary documentation in advance, optimizing for rapid customs approval. Our team harnessed their local expertise to navigate the complex customs procedures and facilitated swift clearance.
The team selected a global thermal container designed to maintain the narrow temperature range essential for preserving the bone marrow's viability. Real-time location monitoring allowed DKMS and hospitals to track the shipment's progress and maintain readiness for transplantation.We successfully delivered the precious cargo within the required 24-hour window, preserving its integrity. This collaboration not only secured a healthier future for Carlos but also reinforced hope for other patients in need of critical care across international borders.
Giving Freya hope with high-value gene therapy
Freya, a young patient with a severe inherited disease affecting her nervous system, awaited a life-changing gene therapy treatment. A rare orphan drug produced by a multinational pharmaceutical organization was authorized to treat Freya under exceptional circumstances due to the disease's rarity. With the authorization secured, the challenge was to transport this high-value shipment from Ireland to a hospital in France, and we were entrusted with this critical task. Through our meticulous preparation, a rehearsal delivery was conducted to validate processes and test the real-time monitoring of location and temperature throughout the journey. Bespoke, white glove service, led by dedicated project managers, included continuous communication with the client and enhanced transparency and coordination.
Transporting the therapy at deep-frozen temperatures using dry ice, our team faced unexpected obstacles, including a last-minute flight cancellation. Fortunately, their robust contingency strategy allowed for immediate alternative arrangements, ensuring the shipment reached its destination on time. Thanks to this thorough planning and agile execution, Freya received her treatment promptly, and her surgery was a success. This experience highlights our commitment to patient care and exemplifies the importance of preparation, communication, and adaptability in high-stakes logistics.
Keeping Maria’s treatment regimen seamless
Maria, a resident of São Paulo, Brazil, is battling Fabry disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes harmful fat buildup in her cells. The medication necessary to manage her symptoms is not available in Brazil, making timely international delivery crucial for her health. Each day without her medication worsens her condition, so every shipment is an urgent matter. The medication was shipping from Europe to São Paulo, but when it passed through a major international airport, a discrepancy in the cargo records had the potential to delay the delivery. Given the shipment's “compassionate use” status, prompt resolution was vital, as any delays could impact the drug's efficacy.
Equipped with real-time location monitoring (RTLM) technology, we were able to quickly confirm the shipment's exact location, demonstrating that it had arrived at the airport as planned. This information resolved the discrepancy within 20 minutes, and the shipment was able to continue its journey.With the quick resolution enabled by RTLM, Maria received her medication on time, and her treatment regimen remained uninterrupted. This brief, unexpected delay serves as a reminder of the importance of technology in enhancing operational efficiency.
Setting the stage for Zeynep’s full recovery
The team also navigated the complex customs procedures between Lithuania and Turkey, which was a pivotal factor in the timely delivery. At one point, the airline had to offload Zeynep’s high-priority shipment for safety reasons, but thanks to the team’s alertness, contingency plans were immediately put into action so the unforeseen setback didn’t jeopardize the tight delivery window. Despite the numerous challenges, the precious shipment was delivered and used in a successful operation. For Zeynep and her family, our expertise meant more than just a successful delivery—it meant a second chance at life.
Paving the way for Amelia’s childhood
To further enhance the delivery process, we equipped the shipment with GPS tracking, allowing real-time monitoring from departure to treatment. Every aspect, from documentation to customs compliance, was expertly managed to prevent delays. With the help of our team, Amelia received her life-saving therapy safely and on time.
