Paxton Mills, VHF Community Member, Volunteer and NBDF NYLI Member
From August 17-19, the bleeding disorders community came together to reconnect and celebrate the National Hemophilia Foundation’s (NHF’s) 75th anniversary in National Harbor, Maryland for their annual Bleeding Disorders Conference (BDC). At this event, NHF formally announced their rebrand, complete with a new organizational title and logo, to the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF). This rebrand comes amidst concerted efforts by NBDF to foster a more inclusive national community for all inherited bleeding and blood disorders go here to learn more about the rebrand.
VHF was thrilled to provide travel grants to over 50 community members to attend this year’s conference (go here for more photos)! Beth Smith, VHF community member and attendee at this year’s BDC had this to say “I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s BDC. The Gaylord was an amazing venue. I walked my legs off, but the content, seminars and social events were definitely worth it! It was so encouraging to see the connections being made, families feeling supported and encouraged, and the hope that came from learning about the current treatments as well as those on the horizon. I’m so thankful we attended, and my thanks goes out to all who worked so hard to make it happen.”
After the formal rebrand announcement during the Opening Ceremony, BDC offered a variety of educational programming from panels to lecture talks on advancements in treatment, gene therapy, diversity, rural healthcare, women with bleeding disorders, and so much more. Beyond structured programming, BDC provided ample opportunity to connect personally with the greater bleeding disorders community through networking hours and a screening of Redefining Impossible, a film which follows elite athletes living with hemophilia. The conference officially came to a close with the Awards Ceremony, where VHF even had one of our own honored. Lauren Dunn, MSW of the Central Virginia Center for Coagulation Disorders was awarded Social Worker of the Year. Congratulations to Lauren for the incredible work she does to support our community and for representing the Virginia chapter at the national level.
BDC 2024 will take place in Atlanta, Georgia from September 12-14. See the VHF website for future updates on travel grants available.
