As June begins, we’re celebrating our community—honoring milestones, graduations, and 50 years of impact. It’s also a time to stay engaged as important policy decisions unfold. Read on for updates, resources, and ways to stay connected.
No time to read? Check out this audio file —a quick, podcast-style disscussion of our newsletter created with Google’s Notebook LM. It’s not perfect (just like us!), but it’s a fun, easy way to listen to VHF news when you’re on the go! |
VHF Community Resources You Can Use |
Congressional Update: One Big Beautiful Bill Act |
Krista Davidson, VHF Volunteer and Advocate
In May, the House passed the budget reconciliation bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, by a one-vote majority of 215-214. The bill is currently undergoing changes in the Senate. If it receives enough votes, the bill will return to the House for approval. If there are no changes in the House, it will go to President Trump where he will either veto it or sign it. |
Celebrating 50 Years: A Look Back At Camp And Community |
In 1999, Camp Youngblood was officially born — a week-long overnight camp designed specifically for children with inherited bleeding disorders, their siblings, and children of parents with bleeding disorders. In 2007, Camp Youngblood found its permanent home at Camp Holiday Trails (CHT) in Charlottesville, VA, a nonprofit, year-round camp nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains that supports children and teens with medical challenges.
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Family Camp Weekend Recap |
Our recent Family Camp Weekend was filled with connection, learning, and fun! This special weekend gave families the opportunity to experience camp life together, build new friendships, and feel the support and care of the VHF community firsthand. First-time attendee Megan Booth shared: |
Community Event At TopGolf Richmond |
Sunday, August 3rd at 11:00 am
Get active with your bleeding disorders community at Topgolf Richmond! Enjoy lunch, two hours of golf (no experience needed), and learn about choosing the right footwear for school, sports, and daily activity with Allyson D’Esopo, DPT, PT from VCU-HTC. |
Educational Dinner “Adversity, Strength, And Resilience” |
Medical Symposium At Great Wolf Lodge |
September 12–14, 2025
Join us for the VHF Medical Symposium at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg—a weekend of education, connection, and fun for the bleeding disorders community. Enjoy sessions on treatment options, on-site childcare, waterpark access, meals, and lodging—all included (with a $50 household registration fee for eligible VHF constituents). |
CHKD-HTC News: Welcome Back, Catherine! |
We’re excited to share that Catherine Wallace de Melendez, RN, has returned to her role as Bleeding Disorders Nurse Coordinator at CHKD! Her familiar face has been a welcome surprise in clinic, and her compassion and dedication are an asset to the bleeding disorders community at the CHKD-HTC, and we’re happy to welcome her back.
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Congratulations Graduates! |
VHF is proud to celebrate the milestones of our amazing community! This month, we invited you to share photos and stories of graduates in your life—check out the highlights below. Have someone to recognize? It’s not too late! Email Heather at heather@vahemophilia.org to be included.
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Cody Davidson, one of this year's VHF Lyman Fisher Scholarship recipients, recently achieved a major milestone with his graduation and is looking ahead to an exciting future. This fall, he will continue his education at Virginia Western, where he plans to study Cybersecurity. |
Ray Lambert proudly graduated from 5th grade and is ready for his next big adventure—starting with a well-deserved summer of fun, including a week at Camp Youngblood, of course! |
Andrew Spasojevich graduated from Mills E. Godwin High School and will spend next year exploring new opportunities through an EF Gap Year Program, a unique way to gain real-world experience before continuing his academic journey. |
Adam Teran, a past VHF Lyman Fisher Scholarship recipient, graduated in May with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of Virginia. We can't wait to see what the next chapter of his culinary journey will be as he turns his passion for cooking into a fulfilling career. |
Josiah Walker, a former VHF Lyman Fisher Scholarship recipient, graduated from JMU with a B.S. in Engineering and honors in Mathematics. Named valedictorian of his college, he’ll pursue a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Princeton. Watch his inspiring commencement speech here.
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Community Member Spotlight: Amber Beall |
With help from the VHF Terry Lamb Enrichment Scholarship, community member Amber Beall brought her dreams to life on stage in Peter Pan Jr., performing as Nibs the Lost Boy in all four shows presented by Spotlight on Center Stage. Amber reflected on the experience with gratitude and excitement: "The Terry Lamb Enrichment Scholarship has helped me achieve my dreams of being under the spotlight in the production of Peter Pan Jr. the musical. I love being on stage, but you get what you pay for—and this scholarship helped me discover my love of show business. Without it, I wouldn’t have been part of this awesome show."
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VHF Supports Global Impact Through The World Federation of Hemophilia |
VHF is a is a proud donor to the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) and its efforts to improve care for people with bleeding disorders worldwide. The newly released WBDR Impact Report 2024 highlights the growth and real-world value of the World Bleeding Disorders Registry. It showcases how data, training, and global collaboration are driving better outcomes for the community. Learn more about this important work and the global impact being made.
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Thank you for your support of the Virginia Hemophilia Foundation (VHF). For some popular ways to give back and help us serve the inherited bleeding disorders community in Virginia, go here. If you have other ideas or questions, please contact Kelly Waters, Executive Director, at info@vahemophilia.org. We look forward to working with you!
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