Save One Life recently supported a bleeding disorders camp for our program partners in Kenya. Below is a summary that Irene Kalekye, the program manager of Jose Memorial Hemophilia Society, shared with us!

A group photo with the camp participants

"The Jose Memorial Hemophilia Society successfully conducted its first ever youth camp, from  December 3rd-5th, 2024, at the Nkasiri Adventure Park. The camp brought together 20 Persons Living with Hemophilia (PLWH) from the age of 15-35 years. The three-day residential program combined educational sessions, therapeutic activities, and  recreational pursuits to empower participants in managing their condition while fostering  peer support and community building. 

The program achieved its core objectives of fostering self-confidence, delivering practical hemophilia management education, and building a supportive peer community. Through carefully designed activities and expert-led sessions, participants gained valuable knowledge and skills while forming meaningful connections with others facing similar challenges."

An educational session at the camp

"The educational program integrated multiple components focusing on comprehensive care. The medical management track covered essential topics like bleed recognition, and safe activity guidelines. Physiotherapy sessions equipped participants with practical skills for managing bleeds effectively. Mental health workshops provided stress management tools and coping strategies. 

Financial education focused on practical money management, teaching participants about goal setting, budgeting, savings, and investment principles. The life skills component developed crucial capabilities in communication, self-advocacy, and independent living, with emphasis on helping participants manage their condition while pursuing their life goals."

John, a former Save One Life beneficiary, practicing archery

"The camp successfully integrated therapeutic recreation with adventure activities, carefully modified to ensure safety for participants with hemophilia. Notable activities included swimming, zip-lining, archery, board games and bonfires. Strong bonds formed among participants, creating a support network that will extend beyond the camp duration. The shared experiences during recreational activities particularly  strengthened these connections."

We are so happy to hear what a great success the camp was, and appreciate our program partners in Kenya for executing such a wonderful experience for our global community!

You can help us make more life-changing camps like this one possible by donating to our camp fund:

Wendie Chadd has served on our board for the past six years, becoming Board President in November 2024. Wendie enjoys knowing the impact that the programs of Save One Life have on our blood brothers, sisters and their families throughout the countries we work in. Wendie’s favorite part of working on our board is hearing about our scholarships and micro-enterprise grants. She is grateful for “the honor of learning people's story as well as their goals and aspirations,” especially knowing these grants provide assistance to help them to achieve greater stability and opportunities for themselves.  

Wendie grew up in the bleeding disorders community and was aware of Laurie Kelley’s work. When she and Laurie met in 1999, Wendie’s interest in her international work grew. Since then, Wendie was a supporter of Save One Life, but increased her involvement in February 2019 when Laurie asked her to join Save One Life’s upcoming Kilimanjaro fundraiser. She was excited to join the trip and help “raise money and awareness of the disparity of treatment for those living with bleeding disorders in developing countries.” This experience in Africa went on to be some of Wendie’s favorite memories with Save One Life.

Before the climb, Wendie had the opportunity to visit beneficiaries and attend the first gathering of women from the bleeding disorder community in Kenya. Wendie and her husband even got the opportunity to meet one of the children that they sponsored, and still sponsor to this day. She shares that “hearing the stories of so many amazing hemophilia mothers, daughters and sisters was an honor and life changing. Followed by summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, knowing that we had raised a substantial amount of money and awareness for so many throughout the world was also a true-life highlight!” Shortly after returning from Africa, Wendie joined our Board of Directors.

Wendie and Ric at the summit of Kilimanjaro

Along with being President of Save One Life’s board, Wendie Chadd is Senior Director of Patient Care Services for Nufactor Specialty Infusion. She’s had the honor of working for Nufactor and serving patients living with chronic conditions and diagnoses for over 25 years!    In addition to her professional work with Nufactor and her volunteer work with Save One Life, Wendie’s family owns an elite competitive dance studio in Knoxville, Tennessee called Evolve Dance Plex. In her free time, Wendie and her husband, Ric, enjoy weight training, hiking, camping and anything that allows them to spend time with their adult children and granddaughter. 

“I believe in humanity, serving others and leaving the world a better place!”

Wendie and her beautiful family

Thank you to Wendie Chadd for her six years of service on our board. We appreciate all the work you've done to help support our mission and people with bleeding disorders globally!

World Hemophilia Day 2025 is coming up on April 17th! This year's theme is "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too." Save One Life is consistently inspired by all of the strong women we support and work with. Stay up to date on our social media for stories from inspiring women in our community!