You matter, your family matters, and our community matters to us.
VHF is a diverse community of people affected by inherited bleeding disorders, and we wanted to address directly what is happening in our neighborhoods, cities, and nationwide so that you know where we stand.
We firmly believe in inclusivity and equality and we denounce bigotry, harm, and prejudice. People of color are disproportionately affected by violence, poverty, health, and other equity issues. We are listening.
And although we don’t have all the answers, we want to be part of the conversation and we want to do better every day. The VHF staff and Board of Directors are committed to creating a community that is informed, safe, healthy, equitable, inclusive, and engaged. There is much work to do and together we can generate lasting change.
Kelly Waters, LCSW, MSW, Executive Director, VHF
Sarahbeth Spasojevich, President, VHF Board of Directors
|
|
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND COVID-19 RESOURCES
During this stressful time we want you to know that we are here to help! VHF provides financial assistance to those who need it and we are currently accepting applications to help pay for basic living expenses, expenses incurred in the care, treatment, or prevention of an inherited bleeding disorder, and more.
To learn more go here
,
or contact Kelly Waters at 804-740-8643
kelly@vahemophilia.org
.
NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Director Dr. Gary Gibbons discuss COVID-19 and blood clotting, including what we know about the SARS-CoV-2 virus that triggers this response, and what NIH is doing about it.
Go here to watch
As states reopen, it is important to be as informed as you can be about the spread of the coronavirus in your area and what you can do to stop it. The epidemiologists at Johns Hopkins University have created a COVID-19 tracker where you can see the new infections in your state.
Go here to learn more
VA Dept. of Social Services has created a smartphone app with important COVID-19 resources including: Help with Food, How do I find Child Care?, What if My Job Has Been Affected?, How Can I get Health Insurance?, What if I can’t Pay My Bills?, How can I Manage Stress?, I am worried I have COVID-19, and I Don’t Feel Safe at Home.
Go here to learn more
Resources for Families and Children
|
|
VIRTUAL ANNUAL EDUCATION MEETING
Virtual Annual Education Meeting Schedule - You will need to RSVP for Each Session Individually:
Thursday, June 11th at 7:00 pm:
"Advocacy Not Anger: Being Your Own Voice"
RSVP Here
Thursday, June 18th at 7:00 pm:
"Beyond Trough Levels: Taking A Closer Look at How to Evaluate Hemophilia B"
RSVP Here
Saturday, June 20th at 1:00 pm:
"Wonderful Women of Bleeding"
RSVP Here
Saturday, June 20th at 2:30 pm:
"Mental Health 101"
RSVP Here
TEEN SESSION (Ages 13-17)
Saturday, June 20th at 4:00 pm:
"The Power of Empowerment" and Teen Hangout with Camp Holiday Trails
RSVP Here
|
|
VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE AND COMMUNITY GAME NIGHT
When:
Saturday, June 20th at 7:00 pm
Join VHF and Camp Holiday Trails for an educational and fun-filled evening of everyone’s favorite camp traditions, including songs, games, stories, and other activities. All participants are encouraged to wear their favorite camp attire, or their favorite camp t-shirt to the virtual campfire!
This session is free and open to VHF constituents, any constituent under the age of 12 will need adult supervision to participate.
|
|
VIRTUAL CAMP YOUNGBLOOD ANNOUNCEMENT!
On June 1st Camp Holiday Trails made an announcement about their
Staying Connected: CHT at Home Program.
This virtual summer camp will have 8 weeks of content in the form of pre-recorded videos and live zoom events. Some content will be shared via their
Facebook Page
and is open to all, but if you want to receive links to access the other engaging weekly content you must fill out a waiver which is linked below.
We are excited to announce that the week of July 5 - 10th, Camp Holiday Trails will offer exclusive programming as part of
Staying Connected: CHT at Home
for families who are affiliated with the Virginia Hemophilia Foundation (VHF) and Hemophilia Association of the Capitol Area (HACA) in honor of Camp Youngblood and Family Camp! You do not want to miss out on this exclusive content for VHF/HACA families and campers such as a virtual campfire, an online infusion clinic, and much more!
|
|
UNITE FOR BLEEDING DISORDERS WALK: JOIN VHF IN PERSON OR VIRTUALLY ON OCTOBER 25TH!
The safety and health of people living with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, their families, our supporters and volunteers are our #1 priority.
VHF continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). We are following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other state health authorities and are monitoring the situation before making a decision on whether to keep the event in person or change it to a virtual event. This decision will be made in August.
Even if you don't plan to join us for an in-person event, our virtual event will be a chance for you to participate with other people in our community – while keeping safe distancing rules in place!
The money raised from this event will be used to assist our overall mission of supporting research, offering financial assistance and scholarships, as well as providing education and advocacy. Please consider starting a team, joining an existing team, or making a donation. Every little bit counts and brings us closer to our goal!
Online fundraising is the quickest, easiest way to fundraise without ever leaving home! Each individual participant who raises $25 will receive a Unite Walk t-shirt! More information on additional incentives to come.
Get creative! We know you may need to change your fundraising plans, but now is a great time to be creative with how you’ll hit your goal.
|
|
LET'S CELEBRATE THE 2020 LYMAN FISHER SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS AND 2020 GRADUATES IN OUR COMMUNITY!
We are so proud of the scholarship recipients and graduates in our community and we ask you to join us in celebrating their accomplishments! Thank you to everyone that submitted. If you know someone doing great things in the community that you would like to see highlighted in our next newsletter contact
heather@vahemophilia.org.
|
|
 |
2020 Lyman Fisher Scholarship Recipient
- Noah Boucher:
“I hope to graduate from TCC in two years with an Associate’s Degree in General Engineering. This scholarship will allow me to graduate with low or zero cost out of pocket. In addition to all the great work you've done for my family and the hemophilia community, I am so honored that I was selected to receive this scholarship. I will work hard at TCC to honor your choice to select me as the recipient of this scholarship.”
|
|
|
|
2020 Lyman Fisher Scholarship Recipient
- Emma Kaiser:
“I am an upcoming junior at George Mason University studying Criminology with a concentration in Law and Society. My college education is very important to me and will allow me to go to law school after receiving my bachelor’s degree. Receiving the Lyman Fisher scholarship will help me further my education without as much financial worry. The scholarship will also help ensure that I can further my education and receive my degree. I am very thankful to be able to receive this scholarship.”
|
|
|
|
|
LeAnn Johnson:
“LeAnn graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Sentara College of Health Sciences this year! She is dedicated to improving the quality of lives for the bleeding disorder community. Thank you, VHF, for always believing in me!”
|
|
|
|
Olivia Laubscher:
“Olivia is graduating from Warhill High School in Williamsburg. She will be attending Eastern Mennonite University in the Fall to major in Mechanical Engineering and Minor in Environmental Science.”
|
|
|
|
|
Daniel Warren:
“I earned my Master's in Music Education from James Madison University. I'm grateful to friends and family for their support throughout this process. I received the Lyman Fisher scholarship in both my Bachelor’s and Master's years, and I'm unbelievably grateful to VHF and the Board for making that possible! I'll continue to teach instrumental and choral music at The Covenant School, Hickory Campus in Charlottesville, VA.”
|
|
|
|
Jackson White:
"I just graduated from James Madison University with a degree in biophysical chemistry and will be starting a research position at The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge, MA. I am so thankful for my parents, friends, colleagues, professors, and the VHF for all of the incredible support on my journey!"
|
|
|
|
|
Joel Williford:
“Joel is graduating from Western Branch High School; where he did an awesome job in the school musical this year. VHF has been a big part of Joel's life; and our chapter and bleeding disorders family has been such a positive impact and support for Joel. VHF, and CHT also, blessed him with many family and youth camp opportunities for years. I know he is very thankful, for all the love, support, and opportunities from both VHF and CHT.”
|
|
|
|
Patti Williford:
“I am graduating in December from George Mason University with a degree in community health concentrating in clinical science and I plan to attend medical school in the future. Thank you to VHF for the support of my education through scholarships!”
|
|
|
|
Check out our photos on
Flickr
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
