Support Connections for Learning

As this report is being written, our entire staff at the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) is gearing up for our biggest event of the year – our 67^th Annual Meeting, which will take place August 13-15, 2015 in Dallas, TX.  This three-day conference provides the latest research findings, educational sessions from top-notch experts and healthcare professionals, and networking events for individuals and families alike.  We are expecting approximately 3,000 individu­als from across the country, from families with bleeding disorders to chapter staff, healthcare providers and industry partners.

This year, thanks to your support, included in our list of attendees are 36 families whose attendance was made possible by the Connections for Learning Program.  This diverse group went through the application process set forth by NHF and were chosen out of a pool of over 100 applicants.  NHF’s Cultural Diversity Working Group and one member of Connect, NHF’s Young Professionals Group reviewed all applications (in both English and Spanish) and based their decision on level of need, geographic location, and other factors.  Some information about the group includes:

• They live in the following locations: AZ, CA, DC, FL, HI, ID, IL, MI, MO, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, Puerto Rico, TX, VA, WI, WV
• Ages range from 1 to 81
• They represent the following bleeding disorders/complications: Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, Carriers, Factor II Deficiency, Factor XI Deficiency, VWD and inhibitors

Once at Annual Meeting, participants can expect a warm welcome that includes a New Families Reception and a session just for them where they can meet NHF leadership, including NHF’s CEO, Val Bias.  In addition, their time at the Annual Meeting will be full of opportunities to expand their knowledge and network with peers.  Some suggested sessions include Family Roundtables, When Culture Influences Caregiving, and Family Health History: Bleeding Disorders and Beyond.

NHF is thrilled to be able to host these families at this year’s Annual Meeting, an increase of 11 families from last year, and it was all made possible by donors like you.  As you can probably tell, it’s a very exciting time for us here at NHF and for these participants, they are about to have a life-changing experience that will impact their quality of life for years to come.  While we continue all the preparations for Annual Meeting, ship our boxes of supplies and pack our bags for Dallas, on behalf of these 36 families we’d like to thank you for your generosity and support of the Connections for Learning Program.  

Links:

• NHF's 67th Annual Meeting