Celebrating 50 Years of Community and Looking Ahead |
As we welcome April, we’re filled with gratitude and hope. March marked not only Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month but also a major milestone in our journey—VHF’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on March 16th at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Over 180 community members gathered to celebrate our past and embrace our future as we announced our new name—Virginia Bleeding Disorders Foundation—a reflection of our commitment to all those affected by inherited bleeding disorders and unveiled the Virginia Bleeding Disorder Community Sitting Wall plaque, a lasting tribute that perfectly symbolizes this new chapter.
As we prepare to celebrate World Hemophilia Day on April 17th, we invite you to join our 50th Anniversary Season of Giving. We’ve set a goal to raise $20,000 in support of VHF’s Scholarship Program, which helps individuals in our community pursue their educational goals. To date, we’ve raised $18,675.22—with another $1,000+ in expected matching donations (Thank you to everyone that has donated!) With your help, we’re confident we can cross the finish line and continue investing in the future of our community. Every gift makes a difference—thank you for standing with us.
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An Important Update From The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) |
We’re sharing this message from NBDF's President and CEO, Phil Gatone, to help keep you informed about recent changes at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These updates could have a meaningful impact on bleeding disorders care and public health policy. Please take a moment to read and stay informed—your voice and awareness matter.
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Honoring Our History: A Family’s Story from the VHF 50th Anniversary Archives |
As part of our 50th Anniversary year, we’re looking back at powerful stories that reflect the strength and resilience of our community. This article from the Suffolk News-Herald archives shares the early journey of the Bunn family—whose two young sons, William and Aaron, were diagnosed with hemophilia. Nearly 40 years later, their story is a powerful reminder of how far they and we as a community have come—and how much our shared support continues to matter.
Suffolk parents learn hard lesson about hemophilia from their sons
By LINDA McNATT, NE Suffolk Bureau Chief
Published in the Suffolk News-Herald March 14, 1985 |
50th Anniversary Celebration Wrap-Up |
Tory Gilliam | VHF Board Secretary and 50th Anniversary Committee Member
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, we gathered at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Virginia Hemophilia Foundation, and what a celebration it was! As both a Board Member & member of the 50th Anniversary Committee, I was proud of what we were able to achieve with this celebration, honoring the past, present & future of VHF and our community. |
Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month Message from Rep. Abigail Spanberger |
As you know March was Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month! Hear a special message from Representative Abigail Spanberger as she highlights the importance of awareness, support, and advocacy for our community. |
Kristie Sojka | Program Manager, UVA Hemophilia Treatment Center
Once a year the UVA HTC offers a comprehensive bleeding disorders clinic at the Care Connection outreach location in Bristol, VA. Recently, most of our adult and pediatric teams were in Bristol March 19-21, 2025. The UVA HTC also offers an outreach location in Winchester, VA twice a year. Our pediatric team was in Winchester March 27, 2025. The HTC teams enjoy engaging with patients in their respective communities during these outreach clinics.
Names of HTC staff in picture: L to R: (Back Row) Bobby Casteen, Julie Armatas, Isabella Kitzmann, Leah Willey, Marc Gilgannon (Front Row) Dr. Louise Man, Margy Sennett, Dr. Colleen Druzgal and Lindsay Comstock
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VHF Travel Grant: 2025 NBDF Bleeding Disorders Conference |
Application deadline for VHF travel grant for NBDF Bleeding Disorders Conference is 5:00 pm, Friday, April 4
VHF is offering Travel Grants through the Terry Lamb Enrichment Scholarship, providing community members with the opportunity to attend the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) Bleeding Disorders Conference (BDC) in Aurora-Denver, Colorado, from August 21 to 23. |
Family Camp Weekend at Camp Holiday Trails |
Date: Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18
Application deadline: Friday, April 11
Experience an unforgettable weekend at Camp Holiday Trails (CHT) with VHF! Connect with other families affected by bleeding disorders while enjoying education, community, and classic camp fun. This special program is designed for families with at least one child living at home who is between the ages of 5 – 17.
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World Hemophilia Day is April 17 and this year’s theme, “Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too,” shines a light on the urgent need for better recognition, diagnosis, and care for women and girls with bleeding disorders. Learn more here.
Join VHF on April 17th in honor of World Hemophilia Day, for a special Educational Dinner in Williamsburg, VA! This free, family-friendly event—Sanofi’s 2025 One Family Program—will celebrate connection, community, and the shared experiences that unite us all. Learn more and register here.
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Date: Sun., July 13–Fri., July 18 Application deadline: Wednesday, April 23
Get ready for an unforgettable week at Camp Youngblood held at Camp Holiday Trails in Charlottesville, VA. This overnight camp is designed for children ages 7–17 with inherited bleeding disorders, their siblings, and children of community members within the VHF or HACA coverage areas. Campers will enjoy a week of fun, learning, and connection with others who share similar life experiences.
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New Family Support And Education |
Join VHF at the Richmond Zoo on Saturday, April 26th for a special program designed to support families of infants and young children diagnosed with inherited bleeding disorders. This event offers an opportunity to connect with the bleeding disorders community and gain valuable education and resources.
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VHF Lyman Fisher Scholarship |
VHF Lyman Fisher Scholarship application deadline is Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 5:00 pm.
For students in the bleeding disorders community, higher education can be financially challenging. Fortunately, the VHF Lyman Fisher scholarship is available to help ease the burden and support your academic journey. |
From Gratitude to Action: My Washington Days Experience |
Daniel Abraham | VHF Community Member and Travel Grant Recipient
I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to VHF for granting me the travel scholarship to attend the National Bleeding Disorders (NBDF) Washington Days. Your decision and generosity sent me here to learn, advocate, and represent VHF and our mutual interests... |
Help Shape the Future of VHF—Apply for a Committee or the Board of Directors |
VHF is currently looking for individuals who have experience and talents that align with the needs of VHF and the interest in deepening their commitment and strengthening the organization by serving on a committee or the board of directors. Are you that person or do you know someone who might be interested? |
Paper Finds Bone Health Screening Rates at HTCs Represent Clinical Care Gap |
The topic of bone health in people with bleeding disorders has received more attention and study in recent years, with reports suggesting that people with hemophilia (PwH) and people with von Willebrand disease (PwVWD) experience higher rates of osteoporosis and bone fractures. |
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