Your support was needed more than ever. The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) and I thank you for answering the call.
It’s been said many times before: 2020 was a year like no other. There were so many challenges never seen before: a cancelled WFH Congress; no on-site visits or training; borders closed to international flights.
There were also so many questions: how would the global pandemic affect the programs we deliver? Would patients get left behind? How could we continue to meet our community’s needs?
The answer: you.
You came through for us, time and again. The global bleeding disorders community came together to navigate this global health crisis and continue our vital progress towards sustainable care. Of all the different ways individuals demonstrated their generosity, two new initiatives stood out.
Turning disappointment into hope
As the WFH 2020 World Congress was cancelled, all registered attendees were eligible for a complete refund of their registration and hotel fees. Many chose instead to donate their refund. An extraordinary USD $50,000 was donated in solidarity with the bleeding disorders community. Jim Munn, an HTC Nurse coordinator from Detroit explains his motivation for giving. “I’ve been to areas where every single family I’ve met had a family member die due to complications from hemophilia. That just doesn’t happen in the U.S.A… I know WFH is trying to provide care across the globe. It was such a relief to realize that even though we weren’t going to meet together [at Congress] I had an opportunity to share with the community that I have come to love.”
Delivering on our legacy
Another successful initiative was led by Frank Schnabel IV, board member of WFH USA and grandson of WFH founder Frank Schnabel. “I still hear about how my grandfather has affected the lives of so many people around the world,” he said. “Contributing your time to something greater than yourself is rewarding. Imagine relieving a child of their pain, even if it was just for one day.” To honour Frank Schnabel’s legacy of hope and healing, the Schnabel family matched all donations received between December 1 and 15, 2020. Over USD $19,000 was raised in support of the global bleeding disorders community.
Your support has been crucial to ensuring no one was left behind. But as we all know, it’s not over yet. We hope you will continue to stand with us and with people living with bleeding disorders around the globe. Consider signing up for monthly giving, which will help us remain resilient as we navigate the next phase of the pandemic and continue to bring about meaningful and sustainable change in our new global reality. You are our superpower.