STEP for Bleeding Disorders 2026

Step Into Something That Matters.

We invite you to join us on May 16, 2026, for the 13th Annual STEP for Bleeding Disorders 5K Walk / Run & Awareness Campaign—a powerful morning of community, purpose, and impact. Whether you join us in person in Columbia or virtually from anywhere, your participation helps change lives. STEP is more than a walk—it represents the heart of what the Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina stands for:

  • S – Sharing Stories

  • T – Transforming Tomorrows

  • E – Empowering People

  • P – Promoting Research

Our mission is to raise awareness for and advocate on behalf of persons with bleeding disorders and their families; provide education and supportive services; and promote ongoing research to improve the quality of life for those affected.

Every step you take helps raise awareness for individuals and families living with rare, lifelong bleeding disorders—right here in South Carolina and across our global community. You don’t need prior experience or a personal connection to bleeding disorders to make a difference. Form a team, join an existing team, or participate as an individual. Come meet an incredible community, learn why this cause matters, and help us raise critical funds that support education, advocacy, camps, financial assistance, and access to care. No amount is too small—every dollar raised makes a meaningful impact and helps ensure no family faces these challenges alone. So lace up your shoes and STEP into action with us on May 16 at 9:00 a.m. Let’s walk, run, learn, and build awareness—together. Be sure to explore our fundraising platform, learn more about our mission, and check back often as we continue building this event side by side with our community.

Register today—and help us STEP forward toward hope, awareness, and change.

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We Love Our Supporters!

  • Laura Hatfield 2 days ago $33.30
  • Suzanne Martin I look forward to meeting my goal with your help, thank you! 4 days ago $53.00
  • Evelyn Contreras 1 week ago $54.50
  • Holsonback Heating and Air 1 week ago $20.00
  • Cones Meats 1 week ago $100.00
  • Sanofi We are proud to support BDASC! February 2026 $7,500.00
  • CSL Behring Excited to support the STEP Walk! Last month $5,000.00
  • InfuCareRX We are happy to support BDASC! 3 weeks ago $3,500.00
  • CVS Specialty Proud to Support BDASC! 1 week ago $2,500.00
  • Novo Nordisk Happy to Support BDASC! 2 weeks ago $2,500.00
Sponsorship Opportunities
Letter of Request
Learn About BDASC

About Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina

Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina (BDASC), is a 501 (C) 3 Non-Profit organization, a Chapter of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF), and a Chapter Member of Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA). BDASC was founded in 1973 by a group of parents interested in promoting awareness, providing group support, and assisting other national hemophilia organizations.

Today, we serve all 46 counties in the state, currently providing education and support services to over 1500 members and their families in 43 counties. We provide the most current information and education in topics related to bleeding disorders, treatment therapies, support services, and advocacy. We provide financial assistance, scholarships, camping opportunities for families, children and teens, support groups, advocacy training and so much more. By bringing families together, members can learn from oneanother the important experienctial knowledge only they can provide. 

We invite you to join us!!

Dear Friends,

Imagine receiving news about your health—or the health of your child or loved one—that will change the course of your life. You have a bleeding disorder. Suddenly, everyday decisions like your career, hobbies, family planning, or even where you live become more complicated. Your doctor can prescribe a treatment plan, but where do you turn for guidance, community, and support between those office visits? Who truly understands what it means to navigate a rare, lifelong, and sometimes life-threatening condition?

For many, the answer is community. Connecting with others who share lived experience can mean the difference between confidently managing a bleeding disorder—such as Hemophilia or von Willebrand Disease—or feeling overwhelmed and alone. That’s why patient education, public awareness, support, and advocacy are at the very core of the Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina (BDASC).

Because bleeding disorders are rare, many individuals will never meet someone else with the same condition without organizations like ours. BDASC provides a place to learn, connect, and build the emotional and physical support systems that make daily life more manageable. The reassurance of “you’re not alone” is powerful—and essential.

This year, your participation in our fundraiser is doing even more.
We are raising critical funds to support our New Summer Camp for teens and kids with bleeding disorders—an unforgettable, confidence-building experience where they can learn, play, and grow alongside peers who truly understand them. Camp is more than a getaway; it’s a life-changing experience that builds independence, strengthens self-advocacy skills, and creates friendships that last well beyond the summer.

By joining our campaign, you are helping provide essential programs, expanding education and support, advancing research, and giving teens and children in our community the chance to experience the magic of camp.

EVERY STEP YOU TAKE BRIGHTENS THE FUTURE OF THOSE AFFECTED—especially the youngest members of our bleeding disorders family.

Thank you!

For General Information - Contact Us:
Walk Event Manager
Sue Martin, BDASC Executive Director
Call: (864) 350-9941
Sue.martin@bda-sc.org

Team Captain Information & Support
Samantha Javorka, Engagement & Development Manager
Team Captain Chair
samantha.javorka@bda-sc.org

Additional Support and Contacts:
E-Mail: info@bda-sc.org
Website: www.BDA-SC.org

Invitation to Join Us
Download our Informational Flyer

Award Announcements:

1.   Most Creative and Original Individual Costume

2.   Most Creative and Original Team Costumes

3.   Top Fundraising Individual

4.   Runner-Up Individual Fundraiser

5.   Top Fundraising Team

6.   Runner-up Top Fundraising Team

7.   Largest Run/Walk Team

8.   Runner-up Top Run/Walk Team

2026 - 5K Oldest Participant

2026 - 5K Youngest Participant

1st Place Runners

2nd Place Runners

3rd Place Runners

All Registrants Receive

  • A Race Bib
  • A Commemorative T-Shirt
  • Refreshments Pre and Post Race
  • Race Medal
  • Less then a mile short track fun walk / run
  • Free Entertainment / Photo Booth / Face Painting
  • Visit our Sponsor Booths
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2026 SPRING FEST ENTERTAINMENT

  • We are excited to welcome back iPartyology DJ and Photobooth!  
  • Inflatable fun!  We're bringing safe inflatable fun to our walk this year!  Check back to see which inflatables we bring.
  • Cotton Candy, Pizza and more snacks will be available for free!
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Our Newest Participants

View All

Last Day To Register to Guarantee a T-Shirt is April 30th!

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STEP for Bleeding Disorders Schedule of Events

6:30am – Event set-up
7:00am – Sponsor Exhibiting set-up
8:30am – Open registrations
9:00am – Welcoming Opening Announcements, Entertainment
9:45am – Final Announcements, Sponsors, Thank you’ s
9:55am – Participants Take the Course
10:00am - Walk/Run begins
11:00am – Food and Beverages
11:30am – Award Announcements, Thank you’s
12:00pm - Exhibit Breakdown

Exhibits, Entertainment, Food, Fun Activities, Awards & Medals, Social Activities Throughout the Event!

Agenda
Team Captain Toolkit

Our Walk Location

Saluda Shoals Park
(Soccer Park Entrance)
6071 St. Andrews Road
Columbia, SC 29212

5K Run Map

Recent Activity