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!

Why do we walk?

Through the STEP for Bleeding Disorders Walk, the Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina (BDASC) delivers clear, empowering messages that educate, connect, and mobilize individuals, families, healthcare partners, and the broader community around the realities of living with bleeding disorders.

First, the Walk raises awareness and understanding. Many bleeding disorders—including hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and rare factor deficiencies—are often misunderstood or invisible. The STEP Walk educates participants and the public about what bleeding disorders are, how they impact daily life, and why access to specialized care, treatment, and advocacy is critical. By sharing real-life stories from patients and families, the event humanizes bleeding disorders, reduces stigma, and increases public awareness.

Second, the Walk reinforces the importance of community and belonging. Individuals and families affected by bleeding disorders frequently experience isolation, particularly those living in rural or underserved areas of South Carolina. The STEP Walk creates a welcoming, inclusive environment where participants feel supported and connected. It strengthens peer relationships and fosters lasting connections among patients, caregivers, siblings, healthcare providers, volunteers, and advocates.

Third, the event promotes empowerment and self-advocacy. Educational materials and conversations throughout the Walk emphasize the importance of understanding one’s diagnosis, navigating healthcare systems, and advocating for equitable access to treatment and insurance coverage. Participants leave the event better informed, more confident, and more prepared to advocate for themselves or their loved ones.

Fourth, the STEP Walk highlights the tangible impact of community support. Funds raised directly support BDASC’s mission-driven programs, including patient financial assistance, travel support to Hemophilia Treatment Centers, educational programming, camps, retreats, and advocacy initiatives. Participants and donors can clearly see how their involvement translates into meaningful services that improve health outcomes and quality of life.

Finally, the Walk delivers a message of hope and resilience. By celebrating strength, perseverance, and advances in treatment and research, the STEP Walk inspires optimism and continued engagement in care, advocacy, and community involvement.

Together, these messages ensure the STEP Walk is not only a fundraising event, but a powerful platform for education, connection, advocacy, and lasting community impact.

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