Our recent Medical Symposium on September 28th at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg was a productive, well-attended gathering, bringing together over 150 community members. This informative event featured presentations and fun activities for all ages, fostering connections and learning across our community. A special thank you to our generous attendees, who helped raise over $4,000 for VHF—your support enables us to continue providing vital education and advocacy for the bleeding disorders community. We’re also grateful to the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF), Believe Limited, and our sponsors for their contributions, which made this event a tremendous success.
The keynote presentation, “Candid Conversations,” brought to us by NBDF, was a highlight of the day. Led by Brendan Hayes, MPH, CPH, Senior Director of Education, Innovative Therapies, along with lived experience experts (LEEs) and Samantha Carlson, MSW, LMSW, Director of Research, this workshop empowered patients to understand the importance of shared decision-making. Participants learned how personal values and life stages should be considered when weighing different treatment options. The session also introduced NBDF’s Community Voices in Research (CVR), which aims to provide researchers with valuable insights into the lived experiences of those with bleeding disorders. The ultimate goal is to improve quality of life (QOL) and identify research questions that truly matter to our community. By adding your voice and experiences, you can help shape the future of research!
Other standout moments included a screening of the documentary “Redefining Impossible” showcasing the inspiring stories of elite athletes living with hemophilia, as well as sessions led by industry experts sharing the latest healthcare advancements. For younger attendees, our partners from Camp Holiday Trails and A Helping Hand childcare provided fun and educational activities.
We were also thrilled to host the Science Fair Roadshow by Believe Limited, an interactive exhibit that allowed teens, adults, and families to explore the science behind bleeding disorders. This exhibit blended the nostalgia of classic science fairs with hands-on learning, sparking curiosity and engagement across all ages.
Our sincere thanks to our sponsors:
Star Level: BioMarin, CSL Behring, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and Takeda
Premier Level: Genentech
Corporate Level: Accredo, Bayer, BioMatrix, Cottrill’s Pharmacy, CVS Health, DrugCo Health SP, Hoos at Home, Kedrion, Pfizer, Soleo Health, and Superior Biologics
Program Sponsor: National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF)
Mark your calendars for next year’s Medical Symposium at Great Wolf Lodge, scheduled for September 12-14, 2025. We can’t wait to see you there!
