Hi Family and Friends! 

As you all know, I was diagnosed three years ago with mild hemophilia A. Most people don’t know much about hemophilia because it is not very common. I really didn’t know much about it myself until recently. Now that I am three and in preschool, I am trying to learn as much as I can about my bleeding disorder. What I have learned so far, is that sometimes I get boo-boos that bleed longer than they should. This happens because my blood is different than other kids’ blood. Mine is missing something called clotting factors which apparently help to stop the bleeding in people without hemophilia. I am told that most people think of bleeding that comes from cuts and scrapes, but there is also bleeding that can happen inside of me, where no one can see. If this happens, I could also have a lot of pain. The most important thing I have learned so far is that even though I have this bleeding disorder, I can do most things my friends can do. I just need to be a little more careful. 

Unfortunately, in September, I experienced my first big injury … I fell down an entire flight of stairs!! I hit my head which was scary for my mommy, daddy, and big sis (who was walking down the stairs in front of me)! I had to go to Boston Children’s Hospital where the doctors were so nice! The doctors wasted no time and gave me my medication right away in case I had a bleed in my head. I was told this medication is called “factor” and it helps my blood clot better so I can heal faster. It is like my own special superpower medicine!  After giving me the medicine, my team put me in this funny machine that took pictures of my head. Luckily, I was okay and was able to go home and sleep in my own bed. It was scary but mommy and daddy kept telling me that I was so brave and so strong! I really hope I don’t have another scare like that any time soon! 

This is my family’s fourth year walking in New England Hemophilia Association’s Unite for Bleeding Disorders Walk. It is one of my absolute favorite days of the year as I get to be surrounded by people just like me! I cannot wait for this year’s walk! I really hope even more people will join our team and walk with us! This year’s walk is on September 28^th in Canton, MA. My parents tell me that signing up is very easy but reach out to them if you have any questions!

Last year, our team, the Deciding Factor, raised $22,943.23! This is amazing!! My parents are always telling me how lucky we are to have the best village of people supporting us. 

As a family, we are dedicated to help end bleeding disorders. Our family’s goal is to raise as much as we possibly can for this incredibly worthy cause. Will you help us reach our fundraising goals? No amount is too little. It’s easy – just click “donate” to make a secure donation. 

Every dollar stays within our community and supports critical initiatives such as funding research to find better treatments, educating medical providers on the latest innovations and care, ensuring families have access to quality healthcare, and providing access to the best educational resources available. 

Please help us by donating today.

Thank you in advance for your support and UNITED we will make a difference! 

Love,

Austin and The Rossoll Family

“The Deciding Factor”