A Christmas Carol

Chayse, Ashley, Brian, and Chrissy share their stories

admin May 18, 2025

This is a paid public announcement from Sanofi and does not constitute an endorsement of products or services. When you click on the links in this blog entry, you will be directed to a Sanofi website. LA Kelley Communications always advises you to be a savvy consumer when contacting any company; do not reveal identifying information against your will.

People living with hemophilia A may share a diagnosis, but their experiences living with a bleeding disorder are completely unique. And that includes their treatment journeys. As life and health change over time, treatment goals may change. So they may find they need to switch to a new treatment to achieve their most important goals.

Since 2023, more than 1500 people living with hemophilia A have switched to ALTUVIIIO® [antihemophilic factor (recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN fusion protein-ehtl], the #1 most switched-to Factor VIII replacement therapy* that keeps factor activity levels higher (above 40%) for multiple days of the week with one weekly infusion.

Find out why these 4 real ALTUVIIIO patients made the switch, and see if you should talk to your doctor about whether ALTUVIIIO might be right for you:

*Based on specialty pharmacy channel and HTC-reported data from October 2023 to January 2025.

CHAYSE SWITCHED FOR FEWER INFUSIONS

For decades, Chayse used the same factor treatment every other day, and his factor levels were stable. But after his career as a professional musician took off, he realized that his treatment schedule was becoming a real burden.

He did some math and was shocked to realize that in 28 years he’d stuck himself more than 5000 times—more than 180 times a year, on average.

He heard about ALTUVIIIO through the hemophilia community and learned that it was a once-weekly infusion with a 48-hour half-life in adults, which was important both for his lifestyle and his veins. So, he decided to do more research and talk to his doctor.

He says, “If ALTUVIIIO was right for me, that would mean sticking myself as few as 52 times in a year—and less worrying about transporting and packing doses of factor while we travel. Using ALTUVIIIO has simplified my routine, and the peace of mind knowing that I’m covered for longer has made me so happy.”

Check out Chayse’s story.

MOM, ASHLEY, PRIORITIZED PROTECTION

He did some math and was shocked to realize that in 28 years he’d stuck himself more than 5000 times—more than 180 times a year, on average.

Because Ashley’s older brother has severe hemophilia A, she knew there was a possibility that her own children could be born with hemophilia. So she and her husband had medical plans in place when her middle son, 5-year-old Harrison, was born. He was diagnosed at birth with hemophilia, and in the first year of his life, they treated him on demand until they realized he needed more protection. In their search for the right treatment, they tried prophylaxis treatments—both factor and non-factor.

Then Ashley heard about ALTUVIIIO at a conference for bleeding disorders, and Harrison’s doctor supported making another switch. Harrison started treating with ALTUVIIIO in December 2023.

Ashley says, “Switching was worth it. The schedule is a lot more efficient for our life, and he hasn’t had any breakthrough bleeds while on this product. We don’t worry about supplementing with factor like we used to. We spend less time infusing, and more time together.”

ALTUVIIIO was studied over 1 year in the XTEND-Kids study in children under 12 years of age. Routine prophylaxis with ALTUVIIIO resulted in a mean ABR of 0.6 and a median ABR of 0 based on treated bleeds. Efficacy of prophylaxis was evaluated in 72 of these children.^†

Check out Ashley’s story.

^† ALTUVIIIO was studied in XTEND-Kids, which enrolled 74 previously treated male children 1 year to under 12 years of age with severe hemophilia A. The primary goal of the XTEND-Kids study was to determine whether or not children under 12 years of age developed inhibitors to ALTUVIIIO. Zero inhibitors were detected in the 74 children.

BRIAN WANTED ONE PRODUCT

Brian became involved in the hemophilia community in his senior year of high school, learning about the history of the community and the newest treatments and studies. At the time, he was treating with a factor mimetic therapy and supplementing regularly with factor.

Armed with new perspective and knowledge about available treatment options, Brian decided he wanted to use a single product and it needed to be factor. So, as soon as he heard about ALTUVIIIO, he talked to his doctor and made the switch in August 2023.

Remembering that time, Brian says, “Because I wasn’t having any significant issues with my previous treatment, people would ask me, ‘Why switch?’ To some people, it may have seemed like a change that wasn’t necessary. I think it’s important to talk to your healthcare team about changing treatment simply because it isn’t right for you at this stage of your life.”

His passion for advocacy has become a future career. He’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health, with a focus on health policy. And he leaves us with this reminder: “You are your own best advocate. Hemophilia is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.”

Check out Brian’s story.

CRISSY NEEDED TO CONTROL HER BLEEDS

Chrissy is a critical care nurse with mild hemophilia A, who struggled since childhood to get a medical diagnosis. As a result, she had a tough time controlling her bleeds. She also experienced long-term injuries, and hemorrhaged during childbirth despite warning her doctor about her physical symptoms and status as a person who carries the hemophilia gene. After years of trying to get the right medical attention, she was discouraged and felt depressed.

Finally, she was able to make an appointment with a new hematologist who is also a woman with hemophilia. She underwent genetic testing and was diagnosed with mild hemophilia A. With an official diagnosis in hand and treatment goals in mind, she searched for the right treatment. She tried both factor and non-factor therapies, but she was bleeding frequently and couldn’t get control of it. She needed to get a handle on frequent bleeds she suffered due to her physically demanding career.

Then, her brother started using ALTUVIIIO, and her hematologist recommended that she give it a try. She started on ALTUVIIIO in April 2023. She says, “I have been on ALTUVIIIO for over a year now, and I infuse ALTUVIIIO once weekly. I like only having to use one product and being able to make it through my work week without getting bleeds as often.”

ALTUVIIIO was studied in 159 adults and adolescents (12 years and older) with severe hemophilia in the XTEND-1 study. Routine prophylaxis with ALTUVIIIO resulted in a mean ABR of 0.7 and a median ABR of 0 based on treated bleeds. Efficacy was evaluated in 128 of these patients.

Check out Chrissy’s story.

Now that you’ve met real ALTUVIIIO patients and learned how it’s helped them reach their treatment goals, you may be considering talking with your doctor about making the switch. You can sign up to speak with an ALTUVIIIO Peer Mentor about their experiences switching. And, our Doctor Discussion Guide can help. It offers a list of questions to jump-start the conversation with your doctor.

INDICATION

ALTUVIIIO® [antihemophilic factor (recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN fusion protein-ehtl] is an injectable medicine that is used to control and reduce the number of bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A (congenital Factor VIII deficiency).

Your healthcare provider may give you ALTUVIIIO when you have surgery.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I need to know about ALTUVIIIO?

Do not attempt to give yourself an injection unless you have been taught how by your healthcare provider or hemophilia center. You must carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dose and schedule for injecting ALTUVIIIO so that your treatment will work best for you.

Who should not use ALTUVIIIO?

You should not use ALTUVIIIO if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ALTUVIIIO?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have had any medical problems, take any medications, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, supplements, or herbal medicines, are breastfeeding, or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

What are the possible side effects of ALTUVIIIO?

You can have an allergic reaction to ALTUVIIIO. Call your healthcare provider or emergency department right away if you have any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the face, rash, or hives.

Your body can also make antibodies called “inhibitors” against ALTUVIIIO. This can stop ALTUVIIIO from working properly. Your healthcare provider may give you blood tests to check for inhibitors.

The common side effects of ALTUVIIIO are headache and joint pain.

These are not the only possible side effects of ALTUVIIIO. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

MAT-US-2503599-v1.0-04/2025

Women and hemophilia: evolving knowledge, raising awareness, and sharing stories

admin October 27, 2024

Thanksgiving is all about quality time with loved ones. This year, November 28 is also National Family Health History Day, which encourages families to get together and share health experiences. Stories from relatives can help us better understand our own health risks—and its helpful information to share with your care team. It reminds me why it’s so crucial to share stories with each other. As we approach the 35th anniversary of my book Raising a Child with Hemophilia, which included stories from 125 families in the hemophilia community, I want to continue the tradition here! In this blog, Sanofi introduces you to a woman living with hemophilia, Kyrie, who shares how hearing about her mother and grandmother’s experiences with hemophilia shaped her own journey of self-advocacy.

Sponsored by Sanofi

While hemophilia is more common in men, women can also experience symptoms and receive a diagnosis. Because of a traditional
misconception that women are only carriers of hemophilia, they have historically not been tested and treated for the condition.¹This is
changing, thanks to emerging understanding and awareness of hemophilia in women.

Kyrie Smith lives with hemophilia and works as a Community Relations and Education (CoRe) manager at Sanofi. We sat down with her to hear how her family’s experience with hemophilia inspired her to get the care she needs, and how she’s empowering other women to do the same.

Please note that Kyrie’s story is hers alone. While there are common threads, everybody’s experiences with hemophilia will be different.

A legacy of advocacy

Photo caption: Kyrie and her grandmother, who was treated for hemophilia at a time when it was uncommon for women to be diagnosed.

Kyrie’s family history with hemophilia goes back to her grandmother. According to Kyrie, her grandmother was one of the first women to receive access to on-demand factor treatment for bleeds as they occurred. Kyrie credits her grandmother’s self-advocacy with helping her get treatment at a time when it was uncommon for women to be diagnosed, let alone treated.

“The ability for my grandmother to be prescribed factor to control a bad leg bleed was quite novel at the time,” Kyrie says. Hearing her grandmother’s story became her guiding light. “While she is no longer with us anymore, I often find myself thinking about her strength and resilience.”

Hemophilia affects both women and men in Kyrie’s family. Since Kyrie was a carrier of hemophilia and could become symptomatic, her mother advocated for Kyrie’s factor activity levels to be checked during her brother’s annual appointments. Her mother knew how women in the family experienced hemophilia, empowering her to have effective conversations with Kyrie’s doctor to get the care her daughter needed.

“I’m thankful for my mother’s persistence, as I was diagnosed so early in my childhood, when many women—including my mother—are often diagnosed later in life,” Kyrie says. “I am very proud to come from a long line of strong women who have advocated for the health of their family as well as themselves.”

Strength in sisterhood
Kyrie was first diagnosed as a symptomatic carrier of hemophilia and was prescribed a treatment to address bleeds and other symptoms as they occurred. A few years later, her diagnosis was updated to mild hemophilia.

“This change was due to the strong women and advocates in the hemophilia community that helped evolve the definition of symptomatic carrier to mild hemophilia, which is defined by factor activity levels,” Kyrie says. “I am honored to now join them in their work to increase visibility and voices of women with hemophilia.” While opening up about hemophilia can feel vulnerable, it also creates space to inspire others to better manage their health, too.

By working with her healthcare team, Kyrie has been able to manage her condition. That doesn’t mean, however, that the situation is without its challenges.

“From missing sports practices in high school to switching cardio workouts to avoid overworking my joints and managing pain, I’ve had to make some compromises along the way,” Kyrie says.

She’s grateful for the support and encouragement she’s received from the hemophilia community to help her get through difficult times. Kyrie started attending hemophilia camps at age 7, an experience she considers central to her continued sense of community.

“By having a mentor to look up to, or a peer to talk through an issue with, I’ve made lifelong friends from my time at hemophilia camps and other chapter or national events,” says Kyrie.

When to start asking questions
Awareness, testing, and diagnosis of hemophilia in women are increasing.¹ It can be difficult, however, to know whether the bleeding you experience is normal or abnormal. When in doubt, it’s best to speak to your doctor to discuss what’s going on.

The common signs of hemophilia in women include:²

Heavy menstrual periods, such as soaking through one or more pads or tampons every 2 hours or less³
Low in iron or have anemia
Frequent nosebleeds that last longer than 10 minutes
Bleeding from cuts lasting longer than 5 minutes
Easily bruised (raised and larger than a quarter, happening on a weekly basis)
Joint bleeds (pain, swelling, unusual sensations, warmth, loss of motion)
Family history of a bleeding disorder
Heavy bleeding from surgery

If you or someone you care about is experiencing the signs and symptoms above, consider reaching out to a doctor to explain what’s happening and get more information. If hemophilia runs in the family, it’s even more important to watch for these symptoms to help ensure all women get the care and support they need.

Coming full-circle
Kyrie now works as a Sanofi CoRe, which gives her the opportunity to pay forward the information and connection she has experienced from within the hemophilia community.

“Because the hemophilia community has played such a large role in my life, I want to continue giving back, being a resource for the next generation,” Kyrie says. “As a CoRe, I am able to connect with various members of the community no matter where they might be in their hemophilia journey. It could be a new parent navigating hemophilia care for their child, or it could be a young adult working to manage their hemophilia care independently.”

While everyone’s experiences with hemophilia are unique, Kyrie’s personal path gives her extra insight into what members of the community are going through.

“When I have the opportunity to connect with a young girl who is having hemophilia symptoms and needs to advocate for herself, I can really relate because I’ve been in her shoes,” Kyrie says. “The road to diagnosis and treatment can be long and confusing, but there are so many reasons to keep going and so many people to help you do just that. I hope by sharing my story, others will too, and together, we can continue empowering the hemophilia community to advocate for their care and supporting those in the earliest stages of their hemophilia journey.”

If you have a family history of hemophilia or you’re experiencing symptoms, you’re not alone. Make it a resolution to prioritize health in the new year and reach out to your doctor to start conversations about your care.

To learn more about women and hemophilia, including how it’s inherited, how it presents, and how to be your best self-advocate, visit RedefiningHemophilia.com.

This is a paid public announcement from Sanofi and does not constitute an endorsement of products or services. When you click on the links in this blog entry, you will be directed to a Sanofi website. LA Kelley Communications always advises you to be a savvy consumer when contacting any company; do not reveal identifying information against your will.

“Women can have hemophilia, too.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemophilia/features/women-and-hemophilia.html
“Women and bleeding disorders.” National Hemophilia Foundation, https://www.hemophilia.org/bleeding-disorders-a-z/overview/women-and-bleeding-disorders
Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding).” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352829

MAT-US-2303664-v2.0-09/2024

Behind the Science: A Closer Look at How Current Hemophilia Treatments and Potential Innovative Rebalancing Therapies Can Help Achieve Hemostasis.

admin September 15, 2024

Let’s start with Hemostasis
Hemostasis is the body’s ability to stop and prevent bleeds. In hemophilia A or B, factor VIII or factor IX, respectively, is not working properly, leading to an imbalance between procoagulants and anticoagulants. This leads to excessive bleeding because the body is not creating enough thrombin.

Achieving a balance between procoagulants and anticoagulants allows the body to generate sufficient thrombin, which is critical to stop bleeds.

Procoagulants are proteins that promote clotting (like Factor VIII or IX) while anticoagulants are proteins that prevent clotting (like antithrombin and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI)).

How could targeting anticoagulants help prevent bleeds?
Hemostasis is the goal of any hemophilia treatment—and treatments can work by targeting procoagulants or anticoagulants.
Innovative treatments called rebalancing therapies are being investigated and may offer a different type of nonfactor treatment in the future.

These rebalancing therapies are designed to increase the amount of thrombin in the body by lowering anticoagulants like antithrombin and TFPI – lowering proteins in the blood that slow down the body’s ability to make clots may help increase thrombin generation and rebalance hemostasis.

How do current hemophilia treatments achieve hemostasis?
Factor replacement therapy is a well-known treatment that works by replacing missing or defective factor VIII or factor IX.

Other treatments include factor mimetic therapy, which mimics the function of factor VIII in the body, and gene therapy, which replaces the missing or faulty gene to create factor VIII or factor IX for hemophilia A or hemophilia B, respectively.

The science behind hemophilia management is continuously advancing. In addition to currently available treatment options, potential new approaches to restoring hemostasis may offer more ways for PwH to achieve balance.

Learn more at MyHemophiliaTruth.com

MAT-US-2407624-v1.0-08/2024

See updated study results for kids with hemophilia A.

admin August 18, 2024

Treatments for hemophilia continue to evolve, making a positive impact on those living with the disease—including children. That’s why we’re excited to discuss the recently released complete data from XTEND-Kids, the pediatric study for ALTUVIIIO® [antihemophilic factor (recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN fusion protein-ehtl]. ALTUVIIIO is a once-weekly Factor VIII replacement therapy that provides bleed protection and high sustained factor levels above 40% for ~3 days in kids with hemophilia A.

Before we dive into the benefits and safety of ALTUVIIIO, let’s explore the XTEND-Kids study and how it was set up. This study was a clinical trial that took place over 1 year and enrolled 74 previously treated male children under 12 years of age who switched to ALTUVIIIO.

36 participants were 6 to <12 years old
38 participants were 1 to <6 years old
Efficacy was evaluated in 72 of these children

The primary goal of the XTEND-Kids study was to find out if children would develop inhibitors to ALTUVIIIO—and 0 inhibitors were detected! Keep in mind that, although none were detected, inhibitors are still possible with ALTUVIIIO.

Now that we’ve covered the study, keep reading to learn about higher-for-longer factor activity levels in kids. (You can also learn about the safety and benefits of ALTUVIIIO in adults and adolescents at ALTUVIIIO.com.)

Kids can achieve high sustained factor activity levels for ~3 days.

One of the more exciting findings from the XTEND-Kids study is that, on average, after the first dose of ALTUVIIIO, factor activity levels stayed in the near-normal to normal range (above 40%) for about 3 days. In the chart below, you can see how long factor activity levels lasted in this range for children who were between the ages of 1 to under 6 (the purple line) and 6 to under 12 (the pink line).

Proven bleed protection with ALTUVIIIO prophylaxis.

Bleed protection was measured over 1 year of ALTUVIIIO prophylaxis. Much like results for adults and adolescents, the study showed rates of less than 1 bleed per year.

How were bleeds and joint bleeds measured in the trials?

Median ABR was the middle number of all ABRs, when everyone’s ABRs were ordered from least to greatest
Mean ABR was the average number based on everyone’s ABRs

If a bleed did happen, 95% of bleeding episodes were resolved with just one infusion of ALTUVIIIO.

ALTUVIIIO has an established safety profile, but as with any medication, side effects can occur. In 233 people across multiple studies^†:

15% experienced headache (35 people)
13% experienced joint pain (31 people)
4% experienced fever (10 people)

4% experienced pain in extremities (10 people)
4% experienced back pain (9 people)
3% experienced vomiting (7 people)

In XTEND-1 and XTEND-Kids, people taking ALTUVIIIO had 0 inhibitors OR serious allergic reactions. Although no inhibitors were found, and no serious allergic reactions occurred in clinical studies, inhibitors and serious allergic reactions are possible with ALTUVIIIO.

^†Clinical trials included adults and adolescents (XTEND-1) and children (XTEND-Kids).

Connect with a community that’s waiting for you.

When you’re part of the ALTUVIIIO community, you’re never alone! The ALTUVIIIO community includes Patient Educators (also known as Community Relations and Education [CoRe] Managers), ALTUVIIIO Peers, Peer Mentors, Therapeutic Education Managers (TEMs), and Case Managers—people who are with you every step of the way!

Your local ALTUVIIIO Patient Educator is a dedicated professional who provides personalized education and can point you toward helpful resources and support—connect with a local Patient Educator today!

If you’re interested in talking to a real patient or caregiver about what life is like with ALTUVIIIO, the Peer Mentor Program will connect you with someone who has had similar experiences. Together, you can discuss their treatment journey and get answers to some of your questions.

Hear from Peers below, see more stories, and sign up to have a conversation with an actual Peer Mentor here.

Meet Ashley and Harrison
Real caregiver and patient

Ashley’s house can be a bit hectic. With 3 kids, 2 of them with hemophilia—it’s a lot to juggle between activities like fishing and T-ball, and treatment schedules. Her family’s goal was better bleed protection with fewer infusions. By switching to once-weekly ALTUVIIIO, Ashley was able to send Harrison off to school knowing that he was better protected. Ashley is a promotional speaker compensated by Sanofi.

Meet Natalie and Samuel
Real caregiver and patient

As Samuel grew up, it became clear to Natalie that they needed a treatment that would protect him from bleeds and also allow him to stay busy. That’s why they were so interested when they heard about ALTUVIIIO, its fewer infusions, and how its higher sustained factor levels are associated with lower bleed risk. Now they have a treatment and a schedule that works for them—it allows Samuel to get the most out of being a kid.

Natalie and Samuel are promotional speakers compensated by Sanofi.

To learn about what ALTUVIIIO can do for your child with hemophilia A, connect with a Patient Educator today!

INDICATION
ALTUVIIIO® [antihemophilic factor (recombinant), Fc-VWF-XTEN fusion protein-ehtl] is an injectable medicine that is used to control and reduce the number of bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A (congenital Factor VIII deficiency).

Your healthcare provider may give you ALTUVIIIO when you have surgery.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I need to know about ALTUVIIIO?
Do not attempt to give yourself an injection unless you have been taught how by your healthcare provider or hemophilia center. You must carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dose and schedule for injecting ALTUVIIIO so that your treatment will work best for you.

Who should not use ALTUVIIIO?
You should not use ALTUVIIIO if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ALTUVIIIO?
Tell your healthcare provider if you have had any medical problems, take any medications, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, supplements, or herbal medicines, are breastfeeding, or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

What are the possible side effects of ALTUVIIIO?You can have an allergic reaction to ALTUVIIIO. Call your healthcare provider or emergency department right away if you have any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the face, rash, or hives.

Your body can also make antibodies called “inhibitors” against ALTUVIIIO. This can stop ALTUVIIIO from working properly. Your healthcare provider may give you blood tests to check for inhibitors.

The common side effects of ALTUVIIIO are headache and joint pain.

These are not the only possible side effects of ALTUVIIIO. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

Lessons from Rudolph

Laurie Kelley December 17, 2023

We just finished putting up and decorating the Christmas tree, and I was surprised to see so many ornaments about Rudolph! It seems I’ve been collecting them through the years. I grew up in the 1960s, and before CGI, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was the best TV holiday show for kids, in my opinion.* In many ways, it still is. Stop-motion animation has always fascinated me. Apparently, it also fascinated a guy my age by the name of Tim Burton, who, adoring “Rudolph” and how it was made, grew up and fulfilled his dream. He went on to create the classics “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “The Corpse Bride”!

This got me thinking…

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and all it entails: gift-giving (mimicking the gifts from the Three Wise Men), charity, peace, family, love.

But in art, it seems to be a time to recognize that marginalized people, especially those with disabilities, should have special attention and care.

Think of Tiny Tim, who I’ve written about before. Birthed from Charles Dickens’ fertile imagination, born in Victorian England, he was crippled at a young age, and the entire story, “A Christmas Carol,” revolves around showing him love and compassion. The antagonist is his eventual benefactor—Scrooge. Despite his wealth, Scrooge was crippled too, emotionally. The story develops to show how Scrooge was cured of his antisocial pathology, and how Tiny Tim was cared for. I’m convinced Tiny Tim had hemophilia!

And what about Rudolph? The Rankin/Bass show had the narrator, a snowman voiced by Burl Ives, calling his shiny red nose a “nonconformity.” The show had a lot of great humor. Rudolph was different. He had a problem. But he had a bigger problem when his parents tried to disguise his nose, to make him like the other reindeer.

What a great story! Rudolph meets up with an elf, Herbie, who also doesn’t conform to society’s conventions. Together, they set out to see the world, and end up on the Island of Misfit Toys, where all the toys have some “disability,” which could simply be translated as, “doesn’t meet society’s definition of perfection.”

“We’re a couple of misfits”: Christmas is about accepting those who are marginalized

In the end, Rudolph convinces Santa to find homes for all the misfit toys. Tiny Tim helps Scrooge, who then helps Tiny Tim. And Rudolph, of course, saves Christmas! The moral of the stories is that different is good. And we all need to be understanding, tolerant, helpful and inclusive.

Even Herbie. He got a job as the North Pole’s first dentist.

Happy holidays!

* Rankin/Bass, as Videocraft International, contracted with Tokyo’s pioneering Tad Mochinaga for the stop-motion “Animagic” animation. Scripts, pre-recorded voices and sounds made their way to Japan, and an estimated 82 puppet figures were created.