Historically the VHF bleeding disorders Community Retreat was a social and educational gathering that occurred at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. This event was created to bring together the Virginia inherited bleeding disorders community each fall as an excellent opportunity for fun, networking, support, and increasing knowledge. This year, in order to keep our community safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 we have made the decision to host the 2020 Community Retreat virtually. We are in this together and we are excited to bring the 2020 retreat to you, in the safety and comfort of your own home!

The safety and health of people living with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, their families, our supporters and volunteers are our #1 priority. With that in mind, we are moving our Unite for Bleeding Disorders Walk to virtual on Saturday, October 10th to join the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) and other chapters nationwide on their national Unite Day!

This presentation is intended to walk you through the journey that started over 50 years ago with the beginnings of gene therapy research. We will walk through the basics of genetics and how that plays a role in hemophilia. With that knowledge, we will look at how gene therapy is meant to work and discuss both the potential for and the challenges of investigational gene therapy research in hemophilia today.

Join the HACA/VHF advocacy committee for our virtual chat series. These chats focus on advocacy topics relevant to the bleeding disorders community!

During our chat we will learn more about two bleeding disorders community members and advocates who have been elected to serve in their communities, Vaughn Ripley, Brunswick, Maryland City Council Member and State Representative Randi Clites (D-Ravenna), Ohio House District 75.

Join us for a cookie decorating experience as Hemo mom and cookie decorating extraordinaire, Destinee Diprima, leads us through some simple decorating tips and “tricks” this Halloween season with a live virtual class "Happy Haunts Virtual Cooking Decorating Class"!

This virtual community event will give you a chance to experience community connection from the comfort of your home. Great for individuals and families and designed for all ages to enjoy.