Helping Hands is a unique financial assistance program that assists individuals and families within the bleeding disorders community with basic living  expenses. It was designed to be a rapid, non-invasive, temporary resource for emergency situations and provide a foundation for future financial stability.
In 1997, HFA started the Helping Hands program when it noticed there was an unmet need within the bleeding disorders community. Initially, the assistanceprovided was in a compassionate nature rather than financial assistance. Assistance included a Nintendo for a co-infected young patient to find joy in his last days, a catered dinner for a man who wanted to do something nice for his wife who took care of him while single handedly supporting the family, and movie tickets for a family to “get away” from the daily struggles of doctors’ appointments and infusions. Over the years, Helping Hands evolved into a program providing assistance with basic living expenses for individuals and families  experiencing hardships related to their bleeding disorders.
Today, the program assists with housing, utilities and transportation related expenses. Helping Hands also works with applicants to connect them with local community resources, empowering individuals and families to advocate for themselves. In 2012, Items Reimbursement was incorporated into Helping Hands to provide durable medical equipment and necessary items to better manage their bleeding disorder. Items Reimbursement has assisted individuals in purchasing protective gear, braces, heating and cooling packs, and Medic Alert jewelry, and has even assisted community members in obtaining refrigerators to store excess factor.
| Helping Hands is completely funded by donations from program sponsors, annual membership dues, contributions made in memory and in honor of members of our community, and funds raised from HFA’s annual Gears for Good bike ride. |
In 2014, HFA will host two Gears for Good bike rides to raise funds to support this critical community safety net. In June, riders rode along the Northern Rail Trail in New Hampshire for the inaugural regional Gears for Good bike ride. In the fall, the fourth annual Gears for Good bike ride from West Virginia to Washington, DC will take place September 26-28. In both bike rides, riders will have the opportunity to connect while raising awareness and funds for community members in need.
When you make a tax-deductible contribution of $25 or more to support this critical cause, you will be entered into a raffle to win a free trip (airfare and hotel paid for) to Symposium 2015 in St. Louis! Note: the winner will be announced in October.
Donate Now!
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Here’s what some of our 2013 recipients have said about Helping Hands:
“We are so thankful for this program. We were approved to receive one month of rent, and that’s what we needed to get back on our feet. I found another job and we are back to our ‘regular’ life.”
“Helping Hands assisted my family with a utility bill to help me get back on track so I could focus on caring for my children and their serious health care needs.”
“I really appreciate your time, and am glad that I can get caught up on this bill. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted, and your assistance is a blessing to me and my family.”
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