World Hemophilia Day – Wednesday, April 17th
Horizons in Hemophilia, March 2013
By Trish Dominic, CEO
The World Federation of Hemophilia is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, thus World Hemophilia Day becomes even more special. The theme this year is 50 Years of Advancing Treatment for All. The World Federation has asked you to join them on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/wfhemophilia, with an anniversary wish or a message about your hopes for the future for people with bleeding disorders.
More importantly, this year’s day is marked by over 50 years of WHF accomplishments in advancing the cause for care and treatment for people with bleeding disorders around the world. It is also marked by an international campaign to “Close the Gap” in care for people with bleeding disorders. Despite WFH’s past success, 75% of people with hemophilia A or B receive little or no treatment. This percentage is worse for those people with von Willebrand Disease and rare bleeding disorders.
What is World Hemophilia Day? It is our opportunity to raise awareness about where we have been as a community, where we want to go, and that together we can close this wide gap in care. What can you do to help on April 17th?
- Go to the World Federation website www.wfh.org and donate. No amount is too small and every dollar counts.
- Connect with the global online community at www.facebook.com/wfhemophilia and leave a message of support.
- Tell one person you know about hemophilia and the global bleeding disorder community and ask that person to donate.
- Educate your community, school or church about bleeding disorders and the need for care and treatment around the world.
- Finally, be thankful that you live in a country and state that has access to care and treatment and honor a caregiver at www.wfh.org with a gift in that person’s name.
Thank you for celebrating World Hemophilia Day and helping to support global care.