The Canadian Hemophilia Society, Manitoba Chapter (CHS-MC) was built by families who recognized the value in a member-based organization that would serve the needs of the bleeding disorders community. In 2015 we celebrated the 50 years our families in Manitoba have worked together to make a difference! CHS-MC is able to continue to offer programs and services because of the dedication of members, friends and family who donate their time, talents and money. Members have access to a dedicated treatment room at CancerCare Manitoba, and direct services from the Chapter that help defray the costs of managing a bleeding disorder.  The support of caring and committed people in our community have made this possible and we are looking forward to meet the new challenges facing our community.
   
Throughout Manitoba and our catchment communities in North Western Ontario, CHS-MC programs and services are having a positive impact on our members’ lives. With your help, we can continue to work together to improve the health and quality of life for everyone with inherited bleeding disorders.
 
Key activities in 2016 were:  

• Your Chapter continues to work to raise awareness of inherited bleeding disorders by participating in HealthPartners presentations and the Inner City Health Fair
 
• Your Chapter distributes bleeding disorders information and resources to members and schools
 
• Your Chapter is sharing our knowledge through the World Federation of Hemophilia Twinning Program with our friends in Mongolia.

There is still much to do…
 

Living with an inherited bleeding disorder has changed over time. For our older members, it means adapting to damaged joints and for some, joint replacements. For our new families, it means learning to assess bleeds and managing the frequent trips to the hospital. For others, it’s managing problematic nosebleeds, menorrhagia, missing work or school, an emergency trip to the hospital because of an injury; or learning venipuncture. It means many things to many people. 

The Mission of the Chapter is “to improve the quality of life for those affected by hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders through support, service, research, education and advocacy"  The Chapter does not receive any government funding to accomplish our mission. It is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain grants for programs. More and more, we have to rely on our own fundraising efforts – including donations from people like you - to keep the Chapter running. Your support is needed now more than ever before. Your donation means that we can continue to provide Services such as emergency transportation to the hospital, product delivery, parking, crutches and more.
 
Would you consider a gift today? Help us continue Serving the Bleeding Disorders Community.
 
Together we can achieve our Vision “Manitobans living free from the challenges of inherited bleeding disorders”      
 
 Thank you!
 
John Schmitke, President
Canadian Hemophilia Society, Manitoba Chapter

Have you read something interesting in a past Chapter Update and then have been unable to find it later? We have posted the past issues from 2016 on the Chapter website: www.hemophiliamb.ca/member-services/newsletters/