Page 6 - HFA Dateline 2016 Q3 Fall
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for dinner. While enjoying their well-earned dinner, they listened to a presentation
                                             on emergency preparedness, a topic of particular interest and importance in our
                                             earthquake-prone region. The men continue to request more activities; one dad even
                                             shared with us that participating in these activities had allowed him to become aware
                                             of, and overcome, a private barrier that existed in one of his personal relationships.

                                             HFA: What makes your organization unique from other
                                             Member Organizations?
                                               Michelle: Our incredibly diverse member population makes us not only unique
                                             but very special! Despite our seeming differences, we have the common thread of
                                             community that binds us. We recently hosted Hispanic Celebration Day, featuring
                                             HFA staff member Martha Boria, attended by more than 300 members. More than
                                             20 countries were represented that day, something of which we are tremendously
                                             proud, and we happily displayed that international diversity on an interactive map
                                             at the event. We are so lucky to have access to the incredible resources that Southern
                                             California offers; we’ve had retreats in Malibu, special team events with the LA Lakers
                                             and LA Dodgers, and outdoor events that included swimming for our members. We’re
                                             hoping to get surfing and tennis incorporated into an upcoming event. Fortunately
                                             for our event planners, but unfortunately for our region, we rarely have to worry about
                                             the rain ruining our outdoor events.

                                             HFA: What inspires you about the bleeding disorders community?
                                               Michelle: My true passion is to connect people with resources that they need.
                                             I love that this community, in turn, is immediately responsive to other people’s needs
                                             as well. People are quick to offer help and solutions. Recently, we registered as an
                                             official charity of the Long Beach Marathon, and we quickly signed up more than
                                             50 people to participate and fundraise for our scholarship fund. I was stunned at the
                                             response and we ended up being able to distribute three additional scholarships!
                                             My vision is to ensure our members have total access to HTC treatment, dental needs
                                             fulfilled, and any barriers to education removed. I also want our teens and young
                                             adults to be not only gainfully employed but also pursuing their dreams, knowing
                                             their disorder just makes them stronger and uniquely situated in a competitive

                                             world! n n








            After a week of advocacy
          training and efforts, the teens

          celebrate when Assemblyman
             Chris Holden tells them,
            “You have convinced

                me that I must
               support SB 586!”








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