FEBRUARY 2020 | VHF CHAPTER UPDATES
RICHMOND DAYS CANCELLED, SAVE THE DATE FOR ADVOCACY TRAINING EVENT IN NOVEMBER

Due to a declared state of emergency by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam , VHF and the Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area (HACA) decided to cancel this year’s Advocacy Training and Richmond Days scheduled for January 19 – 20, 2020. VHF and HACA are working together to plan additional advocacy opportunities for our members such as in-district meetings where members will visit with their state legislators in their home offices after the general assembly ends. If you are interested in learning more or getting more involved with advocacy contact Kelly Waters at [email protected] .

Save the Date: State Advocacy Training is being rescheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2020 in Richmond.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT: REGIONAL MEN'S EVENT

Calling all men (age 21 and older) of the bleeding disorders community - men with an inherited bleeding disorder, fathers, caregivers, spouses and significant others! VHF, HACA, Hemophilia of North Carolina (HNC), and Hemophilia of South Carolina (HSC) have been discussing the idea of collaborating on a two-day/two night regional men's retreat for 2021. We are reaching out to our collective communities to see if there is enough interest to move forward. Please take a few minutes to fill out this needs assessment so that we can see the level of interest in this collaboration.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: MARQUITA REINHARDT
VHF is proud to spotlight Marquita Reinhardt as our first nominee for VHF Volunteer of the Year in 2020. Marquita has been a constituent of VHF since her son Matthew, now 12, was diagnosed with severe hemophilia A (factor 8 deficiency) with an inhibitor. Marquita has found a passion in giving back to VHF, especially through the Unite Walk – Richmond as a fundraiser and committee member. Marquita says, “I volunteer with VHF, because it is one way in which I can give back to my community. The VHF and its participants are my community. It is a community of blood brothers and blood sisters.”
VHF TRAVEL GRANT FOR A NATIONAL MEETING
What: National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) Bleeding Disorders Conference

When: August 6 - 8, 2020

Where: Atlanta, GA

VHF is pleased to offer travel grants to attend national meetings. National meetings enable our community to come together and exchange information on a wide variety of topics, from the basics of diagnosis to the most relevant developments in treatment and technology. It is the premier opportunity for networking and support for individuals and families affected by inherited bleeding disorders. 

Travel Grant Award: Travel grants will cover airfare/mileage, hotel accommodations, and national meeting registration fees. Not to exceed a total of $2,000. You will be responsible for all meals and other incidentals.

Application Deadline: 11:59 pm, Friday, March 13, 2020

Eligibility: These grants were designed for individuals living with an inherited bleeding disorder and their immediate family and/or household members. Applicants must have participated in VHF activities and live in the territorial jurisdiction of VHF. See each application for more eligibility information.
VHF LYMAN FISHER SCHOLARSHIP

The VHF Lyman Fisher Scholarship was established to honor Dr. Lyman Fisher; a teacher, researcher, and clinician in hemostasis who for many years directed the adult hemophilia program in Virginia. 

Scholarship Award: One-year award in the amount of $2,000 for a full academic year

Application Deadline: 11:59 pm, Friday, May 1, 2020

Eligibility: The scholarship was designed for individuals living with an inherited bleeding disorder, their sibling or their parents and may be used at any accredited non profit college, university, or vocational/technical school in the United States and is to be applied toward educational expenses. Applicants must have participated in VHF activities and live in the territorial jurisdiction of VHF. Previous recipients are eligible to apply.

Sponsorship of 2020 events is still available, for more information contact Kelly Waters at [email protected]
EDUCATIONAL DINNER - NEWPORT NEWS

Join us for an educational program for individuals with an inherited bleeding disorder. Dinner will be provided and there is no fee to attend.

When: Thursday, February 20th, 6:30 pm

Where: Second Street American Bistro
115 Arthur Way, VA, Newport News, Virginia 23602

Topic: Constructive Conversations

Gain an understanding of how motivational interviewing helps individuals living with a bleeding disorder interact with caregivers and health care providers. Examples of effective conversations are presented.

Speaker: Linda L. Pollhammer BSN,RN, Rare Disease, Patient Affairs Liaison Pfizer
MEDICAL SYMPOSIUM - RICHMOND

The VHF Medical Symposium will provide consumers with the knowledge needed to discuss new and current treatment options, have conversations around product safety and how to make tough decisions about medical care. This program will also recognize March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month and will help the Virginia bleeding disorders community understand what these potential advancements may mean.

When: Saturday, March 7th - Sunday, March 8th (Community event at TopGolf Richmond)

Where: Richmond Marriott Short Pump
4240 Dominion Blvd., Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
RED TIE SOIREE

When: Sunday, April 19, 2020, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Where: Dewey Gottwald Center at the Science Museum of Virginia
2301 W Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23220

Join VHF, guests and supporters at the 16th annual spring fundraiser, the Red Tie Soiree! This event is an amazing opportunity to enjoy specialty hors d’oeuvres from Mosaic, craft cocktails, games, and a fantastic live and silent auction, all in support of VHF and all to help those living with inherited bleeding disorders in Virginia.

Wear your favorite red dress or tie and come ready to have fun in honor of World Hemophilia Day! Some of our incredible auction items this year include: 
  • Private in-home wine tasting for ten
  • Two grandstand tickets to the NASCAR COCA-COLA 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway
  • Richmond Symphony and Richmond Ballet tickets
  • Spa packages including facials and massages
  • Craft beer selection hand-picked by the VHF Board of Directors

And dozens more! VHF and our Host Committee members are excited to welcome you for an afternoon of celebration and giving back. Tickets are just $50 for an individual and $90 for a couple and include your exclusive bidder number for the live and silent auction, two drink tickets per person, delicious hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and non-alcoholic beverages. Table sponsorship is also available.  
CAMP YOUNGBLOOD

When: Sunday, July 5 – Friday, July 10, 2020

Where: Camp Holiday Trails, 400 Holiday Trails Ln., Charlottesville, VA 22903

Applications Due: March 30, 2020

A week-long overnight camp for children with inherited bleeding disorders, their siblings, and children of members of the inherited bleeding disorder community. Kids enjoy a week of fun and learning with others that are faced with similar challenges and life experiences.
Check out our photos on Flickr