Page 2 - HFA_Dateline_2020_Q2_Summer

EXECUTIVE CORNER

HFA Welcomes Newest Board Chair

Dear Friends,
I realize I might be new to some of you, so I wanted to share a little bit about myself as the new chair for the
HFA Board of Directors. When I was young, I was diagnosed with von Willebrand Disease during an unexpected
emergency surgery. After receiving my bleeding disorder diagnosis, as many of you can probably relate, it
answered so many lingering questions I had, but it was a hard transition for my family. My mom had undiagnosed
vWD and one of my sisters was diagnosed as well. Thankfully, I got connected with the Bleeding Disorder
Foundation of Washington, which is my proud home and local member organization. I am so grateful for all the
opportunities to learn, grow and lead with the incredible programming, and investment of the HFA programs and
my local member organization. I’ve proudly served on the Bleeding Disorder Foundation of Washington’s Board for
five years and have been on the board of directors for HFA for the past three years.
I’m currently receiving my master’s in Health Administration at the University of Washington so I get to work
toward strengthening our healthcare system and bringing better access for all. I’ve worked for Seattle Children’s
Hospital in the Behavioral Health Department starting as a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist and now in
leadership, guiding initiatives and getting to start new clinics. In my work I have the privilege of working with some

of the kids that struggle with the most severe mental health disorders. Though
there are some hard days, I see so much hope and resilience in them, just like I
see in this community.
I also just got married a few months ago! And as a woman with a bleeding
disorder, I’m now entering into conversations about how my bleeding disorder
impacts my future family. HFA is so much more than an organization for people
with bleeding disorders. It is, for me as a woman, future mom, and community
member, a place of family and community strength that offers hope, assistance,
educational tools and advocacy to everyone. Like so many of us, we need HFA
to be the rock we can depend on for all of these things as we move together
through the next decade and beyond, building on the lessons of the past.
Through all of the history in our community, we proudly look to the future,
strategizing how we can best move our blood brother, sisters, families and
friends forward.
COVID – 19 has also brought in it’s own set of challenges. On top of managing
our bleeding disorders we are now faced with hard decisions about our jobs,
school, and seeing friends and loved ones. These decisions can exacerbate
feelings of uncertainty and loneliness. I’ve found comfort in embracing the
daily small joys of life, such as a walk outside, phone call with a friend, or a yummy meal. It’s more important than
ever to take care of our mental and emotional health, whether that’s small acts of self-care or reaching out to a
professional resource. HFA is here with you during these hard times.
As board chair I’m excited and ready to work with all of you to help strengthen HFA to continue the amazing
work that’s been happening for the past 26 years. I, along with HFA board members, HFA staff and
local member organizations, are with you.

Allie Ritcey

Board Chair

2 DATELINE FEDERATION < www.hemophiliafed.org