Page 12 - HFA Dateline 2017 Q1 Spring

Yes, You CAN Choose Your Family!

By Emily A. Roush-Bobolz

emophilia Federation of America and the bleed- became a member in 2013. “It was important to me to become
Hing disorders community are by nature an a member in order to support HFA’s emergency financial as-
engaged group of people, passionate about advancing sistance program, Helping Hands. And becoming an HFA
awareness for the entire community. member ensured I would get all of the latest information
related to bleeding disorders, which I don’t want to miss!”
Membership in HFA—whether as an individual, busi-
ness or member organization—is an excellent way to As Kari says, membership in HFA shows strong support for
bring the community together, but it is far more than those living with bleeding disorders, but it has other power-
just belonging to an organization; it’s belonging to a ful benefits as well. It gives members access to information
family. necessary for their health, full access to HFA programs and
services, regular print and electronic communications, and
“My family not only belongs to HFA,” said hemophilia
mom, Suzanne. “We are HFA!” policy action alerts vital to the bleeding disorders community.
Some of the newer benefits will include special opportunities
The bleeding disorders community is small, but that for more HFA gear and gifts, unexpected perks throughout the
is what gives it the supportive, close-knit feeling. HFA year, special mailings, and future opportunities for discounts
recognizes the importance of this caring, cohesive to HFA events.
feeling, so improvements to membership have recently
been made to reflect that. Beyond the benefits, however, HFA membership gives those
living with bleeding disorders a voice. Membership provides
“We want to create even more of a community or fam- meaningful connections between HFA, other members, and
ily feel for our members,” said Development Director membership organizations, and it offers opportunities to advo-
Sharon Meyers. cate. Advocacy is at the core of all HFA does, and, with support
and direction from HFA, members can learn to advocate on
Community (n.): a feeling of fellowship based on their own behalf.
common interests and goals.
Yep, that sounds like HFA! HFA Membership “Thank you, HFA, for making raising awareness so easy,”
comprises people who are steadfast, loyal, and said Mark, the father of a child living with hemophilia. “Your
genuinely concerned about HFA and the work it images are so well done. I share them all the time on social
does. No one chooses to have a bleeding disorder, media with my family and friends. I am a better advocate
so there is also a unique sense of empathy and because of them.”
kinship for other members and their families. If The interconnectedness of membership will help HFA build
the bleeding disorder community had a motto, it better relationships with our members, help HFA identify and
might be “we are all in this together.” solve problems within the community, identify professional
and educational opportunities, and become a more highly-ef-
We are Family — Now is the perfect time fective organization, which is a benefit to anyone involved in
the bleeding disorders community.
to become a member
Improvements in membership start with individual You can expect to see a letter from HFA in your mailbox soon,
and family memberships. With these options, members asking you to renew your membership or, if you’re not currently
have the opportunity to receive a free T-shirt. Not only a member, it’ll offer more information on how to become one.
is the newly-designed, exclusive-to-membership T-shirt Individuals, businesses and organizations who wish to become
a fun and fashionable gift of thanks to the member for involved with HFA can learn about membership and other
joining HFA, but wearing it is a stylish way to show opportunities at www.hemophiliafed.org/donate/become-a-
they are part of the family. member/.

“Once I became an HFA member, I felt like I was Membership with HFA can be set up to recur automatically on
officially a part of the family,” said Kari Peepe, who an annual basis. Visit www.hemophiliafed.org/donate/recur-
ring-payment-form/ to set up recurring membership.
12 Dateline Federation | Spring 2017