FAMILY FEST

2019 Family Fest is already scheduled for Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16, 2019, at Higher Ground Retreat & Conference Center. 

2018 Family Fest was held June 22-24 at Higher Ground Retreat & Conference Center. A fun family weekend getaway filled with educational events and family activities!   We experienced a great weekend filled with learning, fun and connection with other families who live with bleeding disorders. Education components included topics that were inspiring, informative and interactive.

SWOHF Family Fest is intended for those individuals/families with Hemophilia A or B who are involved in our SWOHF community in the Greater Dayton area and who receive care at Dayton Children's HTC or a local hematologist. Need-based scholarships are awarded yearly. 

2018 Education Sessions included:

"A Courageous Hope"  Guy Gruters Captain, United States Air Force; POW in North Vietnam; Captain, Eastern Airlines

Guy flew more than 400 combat missions, shot down twice and spent more than five years as a POW. He has been awarded more than 30 combat medals, including two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, two Distinguished Flying Cross awards. His unforgettable story was an inspiring example of heroic leadership as he is one of those rare individuals who combine feelings of intense patriotism and love of the United States of America with an even deeper faith and love of God. During this session, we were reminded about the importance of perspective and perseverance in dealing with life's challenges.

"The Science of Hemophilia - A Changing Landscape" -- Diana Caito, BSN, RN - Clinical Educator, Genentech

This interactive workshop took a closer look at:

• The coagulation cascade (how the body forms blood clots)
• What happens in people with hemophilia A and people with inhibitors
• How current factor replacement and bypass agents work
• Emerging scientific approaches

The program featured a short video of an animated coagulation cascade, as well as interactive activities to engage participants and help them learn firsthand. This workshop was sponsored by Genentech. ©2017 Genentech USA, Inc. All rights reserved.

"Telling Your Story" -- Dana Norris, Founder/Host/Producer: Story Club Cleveland

Everyone has a story to tell whether you're involved in advocacy at a state or national level or giving someone a glimpse into your life with a bleeding disorder.   It is important to be able to tell your story to increase awareness of bleeding disorders. This program highlighted the important elements of a compelling story and will give attendees practical skills to tell their own story in words that will make an impact.

Women's Session: "Artistically Speaking" -- Kate Nammacher, Director of Education, National Hemophilia Foundation

Art can help encourage the self-expression of thoughts and feelings related to personally living with a bleeding disorder or caring for someone who does. This workshop used experiential art techniques to help participants recognize the impact of stress on their health and provide a process through which they can share with each other.

Saturday Morning Special Program for Children: Art Workshop for Kids -- Kate Nammacher, Director of Education, National Hemophilia Foundation

Saturday Evening Family "Bond-fire"