My child was born with a rare condition called Platelet Storage Pool Deficiency which we were completely unaware of until Halloween 2023 when they had to be rushed to the emergency room due to being nauseated and nearly passing out at school. We were told that their iron and hemoglobin levels were dangerously low and we were given a referral to the amazing Dr. Suntum and her wonderful Pediatric Hematology & Oncology team at Georgetown University Hospital. After months of blood tests, iron infusions, a blood transfusion, and a genetic test, we were told of their condition. My child does not clot. I wanted to put my somewhat clumsy, hangnail pulling, child in a bubble so that they would never get hurt, but that is no way for a kid to live. So I started to do some research and I came across the Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area (HACA).

HACA helps make living with a bleeding disorder more manageable by providing education to those with conditions and their families, funding for medical alert equipment, scholarships and job training assistance, financial assistance for families in need, and fun programs that allow kids to be kids. My child attended Camp Youngblood free of charge through HACA and was able to experience archery, hiking, playing with farm animals, swim, and be a normal camper without fear of injury because if an injury occurred there was a fully staffed medical team to take care of them. This is why we are walking.

We are walking for research. We are walking for education. We are walking for medical and financial assistance. We are walking so kids can have fun being kids. We would also love it if you walk with us! Join our team and fundraise with us! The more the merrier! If that isn't possible, please support us by donating and sharing. Thank you!