Hello!
Thanks for visiting my page! This is the 18th year my team is raising funds to benefit individuals and families living with bleeding disorders in Western PA. My team’s name, Cameron’s Walking Sticks, was named in honor of my son, Cameron. We raise funds and walk in his honor, as well as in memory of my brother, John.
The Western PA Bleeding Disorders Foundation provides support, education, and advocacy. One of my favorite things is witnessing the connections families make and watching their friendships grow over the years as they learn together and support one another. They often say that the bleeding disorders community has become a second family to them. There’s nothing like knowing you’re not alone on your journey through life with a rare and serious diagnosis.
When I was growing up, I only knew two people who had a bleeding disorder—my brother, and one of my uncles. As I got older, I also learned that I had a great-uncle with a bleeding disorder as well, but I never met anyone else outside of our family. It was very isolating for individuals and families with bleeding disorders.
When my son was born with a bleeding disorder, I learned about the Hemophilia Center of Western PA and through them learned about the Western PA Bleeding Disorders Foundation. My son has received amazing medical care and support throughout the years from the Hemophilia Center, and we connected with the Foundation early on. We made friends with other families who were raising children with bleeding disorders and my son grew up always knowing other children who had similar challenges and experiences to his.
When he was seven years old, he attended a week-long, overnight camp for children with bleeding disorders and continued attending every year until graduated high school and became a counselor for the camp. It’s amazing to see the children connect and form friendships—many turning into life-long friendships. Fast forward to 2026, he is a college graduate and has been working full time since he graduated in 2023! We are so proud of him and are so grateful for the opportunities he’s had!
There are many reasons why I walk and raise funds, but a few are particularly close to my heart:
- One, of course, is to help families connect so they know they are not alone--they can learn with and from each other and lean on one another.
- Second reason is to help ensure that individuals and families living with bleeding disorders understand the diagnosis and have the tools they need to advocate for themselves and their loved ones. Because bleeding disorders are so rare, individuals and families with bleeding disorders often know more about their diagnosis and treatment than most medical professionals. This knowledge is particularly important in emergency situations, where ER staff may have never encountered another patient with a bleeding disorder before.
- Third reason is to help spread awareness to the public and school nurses so more people are aware of the signs and symptoms of bleeding disorders. This helps connect individuals with a potential bleeding disorder to resources, so they know where to go for an assessment to determine if they have bleeding disorder and ultimately receive proper care and improve their quality of life.
I would love for your support with this cause (and for you to join us at the Walk if you are able)! 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!
Janet
