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EXECUTIVE CORNER
Dear Community Members,
To those who joined us in Providence, RI for our annual
Symposium, thank you. It was wonderful to see you and
be a part of this special event. Providence was an amazing host
city and the New England Hemophilia Association, a fantas-
tic host chapter. From the “Hope Ignites” signs which were
displayed throughout the city, to the Mayor joining us for the
awards luncheon and presenting a proclamation declaring the
month of March Bleeding Disorders Month, the city welcomed
and embraced HFA, and our community’s presence in their
city.
As the days progressed, Symposium somehow just got better
and better, leading up to a final night event that did not disap- Are you, or do you know, a young adult looking to become more
point. The WaterFire event was a mind-blowing way to wrap
up all the events and sessions that took place at Symposium.
It was truly breathtaking to see the rivers winding through
downtown Providence and take in the mesmerizing serpentine
line of floating wood-fired braziers burning brightly. On top of
that, the banks of the river were adorned by the state banners of event, and Martha Boria’s story about Sangre Latina, HFA’s
our Member Organizations. It was a wonderful time to reflect
on the days we spent together learning about up-and-coming
treatments, new research, advocacy and policy issues, as well
as honoring and remembering the contributions that made an
impact on our community.
The awards luncheon was particularly touching this year be-
cause of the number of honors conferred posthumously. Over
the past twelve months, our community lost several dynamic
figures. It’s easy for me to get weighed down by the sadness
4 Dateline Federation | Summer 2017
of those losses. I know I am not alone in wanting to remember
those we honored and what they did for our community. But,
setting aside our natural sorrow at their passing, I think the
best way to honor their memory is to carry on the mission that
meant so much to them. We need to continue the fight.
Corey Dubin, John Reed, Ellis Sulser and Star Tyree were all re-
markable examples of advocates at work. While each had his or
her own unique approach to advocating, the goal was the same.
Yes, they may no longer be here, but they continue to lead us
by their example. Our unity and hard work as a community is
needed now, perhaps more than ever. My challenge to each of
you is to honor their memory and continue the good fight.
active within the community? Our inaugural Young Adult
Advocacy Summit is taking place this fall, and is just the
ticket for young adults interested in getting more involved.
Details and information can be found on page 7. Don’t miss the
Symposium overview on pages 14-17, full of photos from the
Spanish-language program, on page 20.
For those of who were unable to make it to this year’s
Symposium, we hope you’ll join us in next year in Cleveland,
OH. We are so excited about being in Cleveland and know that
2018 will be just as amazing as 2017!
Warm regards,
Tracy Cleghorn
Board Chair
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