On June 12-13, forty-nine families from across the state gathered at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells for the Annual Wisconsin Bleeding Disorders Conference. This year the theme, Life’s a Stage, Act One – Building Community, set out to unite members of the bleeding disorders community by providing opportunities to grow and develop as individuals through strong educational sessions and also as a venue to connect with peers, medical professionals, community experts and industry representatives.

As the youth began their day of Around the World programming, Phillip Kucab kicked off the weekend for the adults with a keynote session on building community. This session gave individuals a chance to explore the idea of community both locally and beyond. The day continued on with a variety of educational sessions lead by experts in their fields. Sessions included: Questions & Answers with the Doctor, facilitated by Dr. Joan Gill of the Comprehensive Bleeding Disorders Center in Milwaukee, an Ethics Panel Discussion addressing the ethical dilemmas within the community, What HealthCare Reform Means for You, Aging with a Bleeding Disorder, Stress & Chronic Illness, Men, Women and Hispanic Discussion Groups, while Strength Training, Wii Olympics and Yoga all rounded out the day.

In the evening the children showed their creative sides in skits depicting what it might be like to have a bleeding disorder in another part of the world. Attendees were also treated to an Irish dance performance and some beautiful Latin music.

As we wrap up Act One here at GLHF, we are already beginning to look ahead towards Act Two in 2011. Please be sure to contact the Foundation if you have any comments about this year’s conference or program suggestions for next year. Your valuable input allows GLHF to plan programming tailored to the needs of the bleeding disorders community.

Thanks for joining us at the 2010 Wisconsin Bleeding Disorders Conference and we look forward to seeing you next year!

Special thank you to the weekend sponsors listed below!
Title: Novo Nordisk
Platinum: Baxter, Bayer
Silver: Blood Center of Wisconsin
Bronze: Accredo Hemophilia Health Services, Affinity BioTech, CVS Caremark, CSL Behring, Grifols, Home Tec Therapies, Pfizer, Talecris