Irish Haemophilia Society 29th October 2015

Hardwork + Dedication = Success

Just ask Noel O’Brien from Portlaoise who has haemophilia after he received a Gold Gaisce Medal from President Michael D. Higgins this year. Noel who is pictured above with his mentor Ann Maire Morrin, has worked hard over the past two years to achieve this level of award. He trained and took part in numerous sporting events such as; athletics, shot put, discus and javelin as part of the Gaisce Programme. While training in these sports, Noel achieved a number of bronze, silver and gold medals and played for his County team. As part of his community involvement, Noel worked with the Irish Wheelchair Association. This involved daily activities to help care for and entertain the clients. In the music section, Noel decided to join the Portlaoise Accordion Band and learn the triangle. This was a huge success and led to Noel becoming the only triangle player in the band, travelling Ireland and further a field to Prague for musical events. For the final section of the award, Noel decided to travel to Lourdes with members from local community. Here he helped the older generation in their daily activities and researched some of the local attractions. He also travelled to Clare and completed a project on the Burren. Noel has worked hard over the past few years in his ‘plan for gold’. He has let no one stop him in his journey - any challenge is conquered and Noel is fearless in his decisions. Noel has let none of his additional needs get in the way of life. With the support of his parent's he has achieved many a challenge. Noel has continued his volunteer work with the Irish Wheel Chair Association, played at the county final with the band and recently won silver and gold in Waterford for the long jump and disc. Noel is worth his weight in gold – dedication to living life with no limits, he continues to let nothing hold him back.
On behalf of the Irish Haemophilia Society we would like to say congratulations to Noel on his wonderful achievement and determination. We are looking forward to hearing about your future successes.

If you never chase your dream, you will never catch it!

Educational Grants 2015
Congratulations to Carly Wright who is the recipient of the Maureen & Jack Downey Educational Grant for 2015/2016, and to Niamh Birkett who is the recipient of the Margaret King Educational Grant. We would like to wish them the all the best in their studies this year.

PARENTS EMPOWERING PARENTS
PEP Training Programme

The Irish Haemophilia Society invites all parents of children with a bleeding disorder to attend the next PEP programme which will take place on:

Friday 20th November – Sunday 22nd November 2015
Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley, Dublin

This parenting programme was designed specifically for parents of children with bleeding disorders in 1996 by Danna Merritt, a Social Worker in the United States, to help parents become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, which may influence how they parent their children.

This awareness gives parents choices about keeping or changing their current practices. The weekend will provide a supporting environment where parents are given time to reflect on how they were parented and their own parenting skills.

Comments from parents who have already attended PEP:

“I expected it to have many areas of advice in parenting and it exceeded all my expectations”

“The whole programme was very helpful”

“Realisation that I do some things right, a lot I can continue with, but others I need to practice for healthy family life”

“Definitely very enjoyable, it really hits home as it’s like they’re talking about your family, so we got great solutions to help us all in everyday life”

To reserve your place please contact Fiona Brennan at 01 657 9900. The full cost of the weekend is €50.00 includes attendance at the programme, two nights’ accommodation and meals. (Full payment is required at time of booking.)

Please note that this course takes place over 3 full days and is for adults only.

We are not telling you it's going to be easy,
we are telling you it's going to be worth it'

We moustache you a question?

Barretstown 2016

Parents Empowering Parents (PEP)
20th - 22nd November,
Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley.

AGM 2016
4th - 6th March,
Hotel Kilkenny, Kilkenny.

Carrier Conference 2016
7th & 8th May,
Castleknock Hotel, Dublin.

Parents Conference 2016
24th - 26th June,
Sheraton Hotel, Athlone.

Links of Possible Interest