Kelly Waters, LCSW, MSW, Executive Director | Virginia Hemophilia Foundation
What a year VHF has had in Fiscal Year July 2018-June 2019! It has been an honor for me to work and partner together with this amazing community. VHF continues to work hard to provide programs and services that are most important to you. And we couldn’t have done it without your service and contributions. THANK YOU! Do not hesitate to reach out to me at kelly@vahemophilia.org if I can be of service. I look forward to another great year! And as I reflect on this past fiscal year (while up late at night) I am remembering David Letterman and his love of “Top Ten” Lists. Well, here is my TOP TEN LIST of VHF’s past fiscal year (in order of when they happened). What is yours?
VIRGINIA HEMOPHILIA FOUNDATION’S TOP TEN LIST:
- Developed a new 3-year strategic plan. Go HERE to check it out and see how you can help us reach our goals.
- Honored to have received five National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) Chapter of Excellence Awards and was a proud recipient in the following categories: Advocacy & Public Policy, Board Governance & Leadership, Fundraising & Development, Partnership, and Programs & Services. If you missed the information about these awards and/or any other news than check out VHF’s archived newsletter copies HERE.
- Joined NHF’s Unite for Bleeding Disorders Walk and had a fabulous time raising money and connecting with new and old friends. I hope you will join us this year www.uniteforbleedingdisorders.org/event/rva
- Had a very good legislative session. During Richmond Days, we talked about two types of bills that we were supporting: the step therapy and the accumulator adjuster measures. Passage of both bills has the potential to improve the lives of our community, and both passed! In addition, the Governor vetoed association health plans that don’t meet important ACA standards and could threaten coverage and care for people with bleeding disorders and other pre-existing conditions. Be sure to follow our Facebook Page to learn more about our advocacy efforts (and all the work that we do).
- Introduced a new and enriching women’s retreat (with a teen, young adult, and men’s retreat to come). Visit our Calendar Page to learn all about our upcoming events.
- Started an Annual Fundraising Campaign during March, Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. It is never too late to donate – just go to our website and click on “Donate Now” to make your contribution.
- Hosted our first-ever (and soon to be annual) Medical Symposium where we learned about emerging therapies, clinical trials, and insurance trends. Check out our Community Resource Page to continue learning more.
- Played games, bid on live and silent auction items, ate delicious food, and donated during “Be a Hemophilia Hero” as part of our newly renamed Spring Fundraiser “Red Tie Soiree”. The entire committee did a great job of raising awareness and bringing donations to VHF. Go to our Flickr account to see the photos of our 2019 event. Hope to see you in a picture next year!
- Had the honor of visiting King William High School to celebrate Bleeding Disorder Awareness month and their successful t-shirt fundraiser that raised $765 to support VHF. Reach out to Megan Schowengerdt at megan@vahemophilia.org if you have an idea about a fundraiser and/or want to learn more about DIY fundraising opportunities.
- The scholarship year came to an end with scholarships being awarded for the HFA and NHF National Meetings, the Terry Lamb Enrichment Scholarship, and the Lyman Fisher Scholarship. Go to our website to learn more about our scholarship program. You never know you could be one of the 2020 recipients!
