Infusing Love: Your Spark Is My Why

Every year at Symposium, there is some special moment that defines that year’s event for me. As we kick off our 2018 event tomorrow, I’m reflecting back on my favorite memories from the last five years of Symposium:

2013: Frisco, TX (I actually have two favorite memories from this year.)	Â	This picture encapsulates our community to me: We hold hands and surround each other with love and support.
		Isn’t this what it’s all about? An older Blood Brother sharing wisdom to younger counterpart. I see this photo and think of the pat on the back almost like a passing of the baton.
2014: Tampa, FL	Â	In 2014, HFA celebrated it’s 20thanniversary. As we began planning for it, it became apparent to talk about HFA’s beginnings wouldn’t be complete without a retrospective look back at the community’s history. Through many months of work by a volunteer committee, the history room debuted at Symposium. The highlight of the 2014 Symposium was bringing a new generation of teens through the history room and having an honest and raw conversation with them. It was a poignant reminder for all of us to be grateful for a generation of advocates who came before us.
2015: St. Louis, MO		These kids were fired up! We did several educational, but fun, activities with the kids and talked about how we are stronger because of our bleeding disorders. The kids were proud to show us just how strong they are!
2016: Las Vegas, NV		Kids are so inspirational! In Vegas, our theme was “Together We Are Resilient” and the kids did an activity learning about bleeding disorders and how having a bleeding disorder themselves or in their family makes them resilient.
2017: Providence, RI		On the final night at Symposium last year, we were able to participate in a long-standing Providence tradition: WaterFire. Before thousands of people not personally affected with a bleeding disorder, we were able to showcase our local member organizations and raise awareness. It was magical.

These photos reflect “my why:” why I continue to advocate on behalf of the bleeding disorders community. Sure, I have a personal interest because of my family, but seeing the spark light up in others is what drives my colleagues and me at HFA.
We look forward to seeing you and know that “Together We Rock,” and we hope to help you find your inner rock-star advocate this weekend! Thank you for inspiring us!
Sonji lives with her husband, Nathan, and three children Nora (16), Thomas, (14), & Natalie (12), in Colorado.
*Note: “Infusing Love: A Mom’s View,” is a blog collection of personal opinions and a representation of individuals experiences. While extensive efforts are made to ensure accuracy of the content, the blog entries do not represent HFA or its Board of Directors. The blog is also not intended to be construed as medical advice or the official opinion/position of HFA, its staff, or its Board of Directors. Readers are strongly encouraged to discuss their own medical treatment with their healthcare providers.