For Jordan, HoG’s Comprehensive Care Means a Scholarship, Summer Camp, Outreach Nursing, Education, and Advocacy
Jordan H. is currently a student at The University of Georgia where he studies computer engineering. Until a few years ago, he did not know if his dream of studying engineering and working in the semi-conductor industry would be possible due to his severe hemophilia B diagnosis. His bleeding disorder meant his family struggled financially and was unable to create a college fund for him due to his medical bills. Growing up, he worried about having enough money for college each year without going into significant debt from student loans. Fortunately, Jordan was named a recipient of the John W. Youtsey Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship program helps Georgia residents who are affected by bleeding disorders. Students who receive the John Youtsey Memorial Scholarship can use the funds for college, vocational, or technical school. Scholarships are granted based on scholastic achievement, financial need, and personal goals. Jordan said, “I am grateful to have received this scholarship. It has given me peace of mind and has allowed me to focus on my education instead of bills.”
Jordan grew up in Woodstock, Georgia and played basketball and track growing up. He had many knee and ankle injuries but learned to self-infuse as a camper at Camp Wannaklot and from his outreach nurse during home visits. Camp Wannaklot is the only camp in Georgia that provides children who have hemophilia or other bleeding disorders the opportunity to enjoy a traditional camp experience. Campers make new friends, learn about their bleeding disorders, and share new experiences. Jordan now volunteers at Camp Wannaklot as a camp counselor because he has so many great memories from camp and friends he still talks to today. He wanted to give back and do his part so other kids can have those same fond memories when they are older. He also participated in HoG’s 2023 Trot to Clot 5K Walk/Run to raise funds for Camp Wannaklot and other youth and family programing at Hemophilia of Georgia.
Growing up, Jordan also learned about how to treat his injuries at home from his HoG Outreach Nurse and received valuable educational resources from including The Hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, & Platelet Disorders Handbook, a day to day guide for those living with a bleeding disorder and a world renowned educational resource.
His advice to other students and young adults with hemophilia is, “Plan for your future even though it may be daunting due to the unknowns. Try to not let your hemophilia hold you back, don’t be afraid of going outside your comfort zone, and look for support from organizations like Hemophilia of Georgia.”
In his free time, Jordan powerlifts, juggles, speed types, and collect sneakers. He is a Young Adult Rare Representative (YARR) from the EveryLife Foundation. He also advocates for the bleeding disorder community and has gone to Capitol Hill to speak to Georgia representatives from the Senate and the House as well as HoG’s Day at the Georgia Capitol.