Hi family and friends! 

As many of you know, Austin was diagnosed with mild hemophilia A two years ago.  Hemophilia A, also known as factor VIII deficiency or classic hemophilia, is a genetic disorder caused by a missing or defective factor VIII (a clotting protein in the blood).  People with hemophilia A bleed LONGER than other people. These bleeds can occur internally (into joints and muscles) or externally (such as minor cuts, dental procedures, or injuries). How often and the severity of individual bleeds depends on how much factor VIII a person naturally produces. Individuals with mild hemophilia (like Austin) experience bleeding typically only after an injury, trauma, or surgery. It is very unlikely that these individuals will develop a spontaneous bleed.

Austin turned TWO in March and thankfully he continues to thrive. Despite a quick surgery to place tubes in both of his ears (which required a dose of factor), Austin has made it through another year without any significant traumas or bleeds! Wahoo! We are especially surprised by this since Austin has become an incredibly active toddler and is definitely more of a daredevil than his big sis, Aly, ever was at this age. Even though Austin’s hemophilia has had very little impact on his first two years of life, we continue to live each day on the edge of our seats knowing that at any point this could (and most likely will) change.  

We have spent the past two years learning as much as we possibly could about hemophilia and what it is like to raise a child who has a rare bleeding disorder. We have learned so much from Austin’s medical team at Boston Children’s Hospital as well other families living with hemophilia, but there is still so much for us to figure out.  We hope that we will be able to provide Austin, and others like him, with the tools and resources they need to live their best lives.

This is our third year participating in The Unite for Bleeding Disorders Walk. Every year gets better and better. We cannot wait to see the impact we can have on this year’s walk!  In 2022, we were able to raise a total of $19,761 which far exceeded our original goal of $10,000!! We are still blown away by our family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and complete strangers’ support and generosity. This year, we are challenging ourselves to raise $20,000! With YOUR help, we know that we can achieve and possibly even exceed this goal! 

Mark and I love and appreciate all the support we have received over the past couple of years (and throughout all of Austin’s life). Our family and friends mean the absolute world to us.  If anyone would like to join our team and walk with us, we would absolutely love it!  It is such a great family event, the kids are still talking about last year's walk! The walk is September 30th in Canton, MA. The more the merrier! Signing up is easy! 

For many, a world without bleeding disorders is simply a dream. Thousands of kids and adults affected face internal bleeding, costly treatment, and lifelong infusions. As a family, we are dedicated to helping end bleeding disorders. Our family goal is to raise as much as we possibly can for this 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! 

Sincerely,

Katie, Mark, Aly, and Austin Rossoll