In this issue ...

WGBD Committee Update
By Milena Pirnat, Chair WGBD Committee 

Get the Word Out to Your Primary Healthcare Provider

What it Means to Not Feel Alone

I attended my first World Congress when I was 19 in 2006. I was fresh eyed and still new to idea of not being the only one with with a bleeding disorder in a crowd of people. I was, by all means, pretty average there, and it blew my mind. I recently attended my second World Congress in Montreal this last May, and while I wasn’t 19 anymore, (I recently turned 35, gulp) I was still shocked at how much I needed to be immersed in this community again.

There is a specific feeling you get when you meet a peer with a bleeding disorder at a conference. An invisible wall comes down. There is no apologizing for having a blemish on your face bleed during a coffee meet up, there’s no impatience when we’re all walking to the pub, and one of us has to rest due to bad ankles. No one bats an eye when you start mixing your factor in the hotel room. You’re in this wonderful little conference bubble where we all can be together and swap ER stories like old war vets.

I have made connections throughout the years with other ‘bleeders’ through different social media circles. Starting with LiveJournal (does that even exist anymore?), to now Discord. I am now an ‘old fart’ in some of these groups, and I love how we can all talk about the different challenges we face. And as much as I rely on these digital connections, nothing beats the face-to-face meetings.

It was at this World Congress, I got to meet my long-time friend, Helen. We share the same condition. We share so many similar experiences. She wasn’t able to be at the conference in person, but seeing her face and hearing her voice, my heart burst with joy. I got to tell her how much I loved her. We cried. After that session, two people approached me, they both have my exact severity and type. I have never felt more seen, more understood, more respected as when we all hugged and just gave each other knowing looks.

It was in that one afternoon session, that I really didn’t feel alone. It’s an incredible feeling that I didn’t know I needed a refill on. It has carried me through the tough pain days I’ve had since coming home.

Community is a medicine we all need, and it is critical that we give it the focus it deserves.

CHS-MC Membership Drive

Thank you to the Manitoba Bleeding Disorders Program (MBDP) for partnering with the Chapter by mailing out a letter of invitation to people seen by the MBDP. Members who are not seen by the MBDP are encouraged to register through the Chapter website. The online CHS-MC Member Registration Form can be found in Member Services. If you require a paper form, please call the office at 204.775.8625 or email info@hemophiliamb.ca. 

Prizes!
All registrations received before August 31st will be entered to win a $300 Esso gift card. The earlier you get your registration in, the more chances you have to win! More draws in November 2022 and February and May 2023! 

Heroixx from Hemophilia Ontario

Let's Talk Period & Lucky Iron Fish

Brittle nails and hair loss are some symptoms that are associated with iron deficiency. There are ways to add iron back into your body such as supplements or through Lucky Iron Fish.
Find out more information so you can get the appropriate medical attention on our website and by taking the Self-BAT. https://letstalkperiod.ca/self-bat/

We have a supply of Lucky Iron Fish in the Chapter office! There is no cost. Just ask us for one and we will send it out to you. Contact us at info@hemophiliamb.ca or call 204.775.8625.