The Nevada Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation completed its 2014 Walk & 5K Fundraising campaign in the best possible way. Not only did the chapter surpass the $50,000 fundraising goal for the first time in its history, it also successfully completed the first Hemophilia Walk & 5K held in Reno.
“We couldn’t have done it without the tremendous support of our dedicated walk teams and volunteers and our incredible sponsors,” said Kelli Walters, Executive Director of the Nevada Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation.
More than 400 walkers and runners attended the Las Vegas event at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs. In Reno, the event was held at Virginia Lake Park where 130 people came out to support the effort.
Funds raised will be used in a number of ways. Every year, the Nevada Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation sends children with an inherited bleeding disorder and their siblings, to a medically supervised camp at no cost. The kids learn many things about their disease, how to manage it and how to gain independence in spite of their condition. They also get the chance to have fun in an outdoor setting with those who understand their disease. Funds will also be used to underwrite support groups for the newly diagnosed and their families.
Those with inherited bleeding disorders such as Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, lack a protein which allows their blood to clot normally. Depending on the severity of their condition, those affected rely on infusions of “factor” given daily, weekly or as needed to stop or prevent a devastating blood loss.
In Las Vegas, Team Emily & AJ, along with Team Captain Alison Bartko, were recognized as the Top Fundraising Team for raising more than $8,000 in contributions for the walk. Team Emily & AJ is named after Alison’s children, both of whom have severe Hemophilia.
