The Susan Skinner Memorial Fund (SSMF) Scholarship—named in honour of the late Susan Skinner, a passionate advocate for the bleeding disorders community—fosters leadership and promotes the active engagement of women from 18 to 60 years-old in the inherited bleeding disorders field. Through education, training, and networking, the goal of the program is to enhance the leadership and engagement of women in our community and empower them to advocate for improved treatment and care for women and girls with bleeding disorders (WGBD) in local, national and global communities.
Scholarships are awarded every two years to both U.S.A. and international applicants. This year, recipients will take part in the WFH 2026 World Congress and related events taking place in Kuala Lumpur. Scholarship recipients will also be offered opportunities to:
- Network with global leaders and patient advocates, building meaningful connections
- Attend sessions on the latest medical and multidisciplinary developments
- Develop leadership and organizational skills
Many SSMF scholarship recipients have gone on to be inspirational leaders and have had a real impact on WGBD in the global inherited bleeding disorders community. Here are profiles from three women who received their scholarships at the WFH 2024 World Congress.
Eliza VanZweden (U.S.A)
“Since [the WFH World Congress], I have become a WFH Global Champion, attended [the WFH Comprehensive Care Summit], and filmed a video for WGBD awareness. I am always looking for ways to contribute. I was most recently elected to the board of directors of the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan, and I contribute on a national scale by creating educational content for kids and teens with bleeding disorders. I also share my story with local and national lawmakers to advocate for healthcare and insurance reform, and with pharmaceutical companies so they understand the patient burden and importance of developing drugs for rare bleeding disorders.”
Eliza has led a session at the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation’s (NBDF) Bleeding Disorders Conference, co-authored research into Glanzmann Thrombasthenia and supported the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan’s annual Women’s Retreat. Read her story on the WFH World Hemophilia Day story site here
Tatiana Bathfield (Mauritius)
“[Since receiving a scholarship] I’ve grown more confident in sharing my story and educating others about bleeding disorders. I’ve learned how to tailor my message to different audiences, whether speaking to peers, healthcare professionals, or policy makers. My participation has also deepened my sense of connection to the bleeding disorders community. I’ve gained strong interpersonal skills—learning to listen actively, support others through shared challenges, and help create safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue and support.”
Tatiana Bathfield continues to volunteer with the Haemophilia Association of Mauritius, focusing on improving the management and treatment of WGBD in the country. In 2024, she was co-opted to the WFH Board of Directors as a Lay Member (click here to read more about her co-option).
Call for applications and application information
If you are a woman advocate who believes in the power of education, networking, and community engagement to drive positive change, we strongly encourage you to apply for the Susan Skinner Memorial Fund Scholarship. Join your peers and help make a difference in the lives of women and girls affected by bleeding disorders by supporting their development and fostering a more inclusive and supportive global community.
Who can apply?
Any person with a bleeding disorder (or a symptomatic or asymptomatic carrier) who consistently lives and identifies as a woman between the ages of 18 and 60 years old can apply for a scholarship.
How to apply?
Applications will be accepted from July 15 to September 15, 2025. For more information on the SSMF scholarship, eligibility criteria and the application process, please click here or contact us at [email protected].