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EXECUTIVE CORNER
Dear Reader, Dateline Federation. Thank you, your contributions have a
profound impact on bleeding disorder community members
W hen I wrote my contribution to the Infusing Love: across the country.
A Mom’s View blog last June, I focused on the
emotions I was feeling about my son Nick finishing middle In 2017, as in years past, HFA awarded $10,000 in educational
school and preparing to enter high school. I couldn’t stop scholarships to community members who are pursing higher
thinking about how fast time seems to pass; I had such vivid education. I hope you’ll turn to page 26 to see who this year’s
memories of putting him on the bus to kindergarten for the recipients are and read more about their educational goals and
first time. It filled my heart with joy to think about the young aspirations.
man he is becoming and made me even happier to have a
platform like Infusing Love to share our story. Over the years, At the beginning of each New Year, it’s customary to take time
I’ve enjoyed immensely reading stories from moms across to reflect on your own accomplishments of the past year. At this
the country and found great value in the act of sharing those time, I’d like you to reflect on the work we’re doing together
personal narratives. I hope you’ll take time to read the mom’s here at HFA as well. We have so much in store for the year
blog 2017 year in review (pp. 16-17) — it’s hard not to smile ahead, including our annual Symposium being held in Cleve-
when reading these posts. land, OH in April. I hope strengthening your connections with
HFA made it onto your list of goals for 2018. We would love to
Throughout the remaining pages of this issue, you’ll find have you attend one or more of our events, contribute to Date-
personal stories from several other community members. line, or share a personal story on one of our blogs. At this time
Christa Parra details her experience of growing up as a “symp- next year, we’ll again be doing a 2018 year in review and we’d
tomatic carrier” and the eventual diagnosis of hemophilia love to be able to include you. Just like with my experience
she received later in life (p. 18). Never giving up is the core watching Nick grow up, the years seem to be going by faster
message of Mike Hargett’s story in which he shares his expe- and faster, so don’t hesitate to jump in! Decide how you want
rience of living with hemophilia while undergoing heart and to make an impact in 2018 and let HFA be a part of your plan!
kidney transplants (pg. 5). We’re happy to see that he is doing
well and recovering! Pain is a topic that’s all too familiar, but I Warm regards,
particularly enjoyed reading Michael Bishop’s take on growing
up with severe hemophilia B with an anaphylactic allergy to Tracy Cleghorn
factor IX products (pg.30). While he certainly isn’t dismissive Board Chair
of the pain people experience, having had his fair share of it,
his outlook on how to live one’s life is inspiring.
I understand how sharing our experience of living with a
bleeding disorder can be intimidating at times and I certainly
appreciate the efforts of these individuals in contributing to
Connect with us
on social media
for daily posts
and updates
about what’s
happening
at HFA.
4 Dateline Federation | Winter 2017
