Page 15 - HFA Dateline 2022 Q1 Spring
P. 15
to market. The safety of the nation’s How can I impress upon the bleeding disorders
blood supply became a priority, community the passion and compassion Val had
especially through blood/plasma
collection processes. Government for his community and the awesome change he
agencies and cabinet-level facilitated coming out of NHF’s challenges with
committees accepted hemophilia the HIV pandemic?
consumer members to these
positions, turning a listening ear to
their concerns and perspectives.
he facilitated coming out of NHF’s experiences, we were drawn to
NHF created initiatives under Val challenges with the HIV pandemic? friendship. No matter the different
and Donald Colburn that challenged paths our lives led us, we never
the raising of funds for research in We need to honor this leader and lost our friendship and always found
gene therapy for a cure. Under Val’s the work he accomplished to help the time to talk about our goals
leadership “chapter development” make this community better. The and passions for the bleeding
was made a priority, and programs NHF board and leadership, chapters, disorders community.
were implemented. Chapters became youth leadership programs, cure for
stronger and more universally the disease programs, educational I encourage you to express your
developed. I could go on with programs, and relationships with appreciation for his leadership, which
much more. donors would not be where they are created positive change for you and
today without his leadership. your family. As I look at this photo
How can I impress upon the bleeding below of five men, I am the only one
disorders community the passion Lastly, the photo below on the living. These other leaders and heroes
and compassion Val had for his right depicts our friendship over of the bleeding disorders community
community and the awesome change 30 years. Through similar tragic lived their lives and gave their lives
for the changes and benefits we
experience in our everyday lives.
I will be forever grateful.
SPRING 2022 15