This year’s VHF Adult Retreat, November 1st – 3rd,brought together 20 members of our community at the Hyatt House Short Pump in Richmond for a weekend of connection, learning, and relaxation. It was an opportunity to pause, share experiences, and explore topics relevant to life with bleeding disorders.
The retreat kicked off on Friday evening with a welcoming educational dinner, where Gretchen Hover from Imbue Partners led a thought-provoking discussion titled “Cognitive Conversations: Think, Feel, Act.” Attendees explored how the brain influences decision-making and picked up practical ideas to improve daily conversations. The evening ended with a screening of On the Shoulders of Giants, a documentary celebrating the resilience of the aging hemophilia community.
Saturday was a full day led by Joe Torrey where attendees engaged in GutMonkey’s Leading Edge Program. Through interactive activities, Joe fostered laughter, connection, and teamwork, guiding participants to explore ways of building community and navigating bleeding disorder management. The day was filled with memorable discussions, shared laughter, and new connections.
After an afternoon break, participants gathered again for a Saturday night dinner focused on healthy living. Morgan Cook presented “Fueling Your Future with Smart Choices,” sharing insights on the benefits of healthy eating for physical and emotional well-being.
On Sunday morning, the weekend closed with an educational breakfast led by Clinical Community Educator Virginia Chandler. Her session focused on the importance of integrating mind, body, and joint health, leaving participants with valuable takeaways to support their wellness.
A special thank you goes to all attendees and to our generous sponsors—BioMarin, CSL Behring, Genentech, Hoos at Home, Takeda, and Pfizer—for making this retreat possible.
