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MEMBER ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT
The Connecticut Hemophilia Society
The Connecticut Hemophilia back in 2021, and people came pointed to the quote, “When you love
Society (CHS) is a small but mighty from all over New England—and what you do, you don’t really work.”
organization. Started in 2010, as far as Illinois—to ride or volunteer.
CHS serves members throughout “We raised funds for both ours “Having a blood disorder myself, I know
Connecticut. Most CHS members and HFA’s Helping Hands funds,” how it feels when you are scared and
also belong to the larger New Murray said. “This was quite feel like no one can relate. For the past
England Hemophilia Association successful, and we are already eight years I have been very involved in
(NEHA), which benefits members planning for 2022.” the bleeding disorder community on a
because they have the support of local and national level. It is inspiring to
both organizations. They can choose Community engagement in CHS has be around others like me,” Murray said.
smaller-scale programs with CHS been steadily increasing in recent “Every event or program that we have
and take advantage of larger events years, despite the pandemic. Murray planned we keep members in mind.
with NEHA, said Executive Director We have reached out to members
Meagan Murray. to ask what they would like to see or
THE CONNECTICUT learn about, and we are very open with
CHS has several successful and HEMOPHILIA SOCIETY communication. Our members are at
popular programs. One of these is the heart of our success.”
a very New England-type of event: Started in 2010
the Alpine Walk. Participants walk 150 people served CHS also works closely with other
through the snow with snowshoes local chapters such as NEHA to plan
and raise awareness for bleeding Serves Connecticut joint programming and to ensure
disorders. It brings the their programs do not overlap. The
community together to relationship with NEHA has been
enjoy a weekend of snow critical to CHS’ success,
and camaraderie and is Murray said, and members
the biggest fundraiser of like having many options
the year. available to them.
Volunteers are the
Another premier event is
the Hartford Yard Goats backbone of CHS. Kristin
CHS Member Appreciation Elliott was a member who
Night. Members are treated reached out to Murray to
to a local baseball game help however she could.
and tailgate cookout. She thrived as a volunteer
Former Board President and was then hired as the
Dennis Mackey mans the part-time CHS director
grill in the lot, and then the of development.
Feel free to tear out this activity sheet. In 2021, 59 people took part—which I was learning and having fun,” Elliott
community members all
“I started going to CHS
walk together to the game.
events and saw that
is particularly remarkable because
said. “CHS has become a second
it was the day before an impending
home. This is the first job where
hurricane. Members of all ages attend
I look forward to being on a Zoom
this bonding event for free and look
call and I know I will leave happy.
forward to it every year.
valued and knowing that I am
CHS members are also active in
making a difference.”
HFA’s Gears for Good. CHS brought it It’s great having a voice, feeling
Winter 2021 7
