To All Who Visit This Page, 

This is an amazing story, so read on! 

The advances in the treatment of hemophilia A have been nothing short of amazing! As many of you know, my son-in-law, Brad, has hemophilia A. This fall, Brad and Scott took on an incredible challenge: an 8-day guided trek to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa.

What makes this accomplishment so meaningful to our family is not just the mountain Brad climbed, but how far hemophilia treatment has come. Six years ago, an adventure like this would have been difficult for Brad to consider. The potential for a serious injury in such a remote location, far from immediate medical care, would have presented an enormous concern.

Today, thanks to advances in hemophilia A treatment, Brad has access to prophylactic medication that he previously would not have had. His treatment allows him to maintain full clotting factor levels, just like someone without hemophilia. This means that if he were to sustain an injury, his hemophilia does not add the same additional bleeding risk it once would have, allowing him to pursue physical challenges and activities he loves with confidence and safety.

That freedom made it possible for Brad to take on Kilimanjaro.

The 8-day trek took Brad and Scott through a remarkable variety of landscapes, from rainforest to moorland, alpine desert, and finally the Arctic zone near the summit. After days of hiking, they began their summit attempt around midnight, using headlamps to light their way. The final ascent was steep, slow, and physically demanding, taking approximately eight hours to complete. The last 0.7 kilometers alone took about an hour as they hiked through the extreme altitude and thin air.

At last, they reached Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, at 19,341 feet above sea level!

We couldn’t be more proud of Brad and Scott. Brad’s achievement is a wonderful reminder of how medical advancements can change lives - not simply by treating a condition, but by giving people the freedom to dream bigger, take on challenges, and experience the activities they love.

We are so grateful for the ongoing work of organizations like the NEHA, which support the hemophilia community and help make progress in treatment and quality of life possible.

So, I’m thrilled to be participating in the 2026 Unite for Bleeding Disorders Walk, a fundraiser to support the bleeding disorders community! All money raised stays within our community and funds crucial advocacy, education, research, and support services. Every donation helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause. 

Thank you for supporting NEHA! 

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you for standing by me in this effort! Your support means the world to me! 

Best, Karen