Our Mission

Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders enhances the quality of life for individuals with bleeding disorders and their families through advocacy, assistance, outreach, education and research support.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

We, at Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders (PNWBD), are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As supported by our mission, we believe in respecting, uplifting, and supporting diverse perspectives and lived experiences within our community. We are dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers that have historically affected marginalized communities including, but not limited to, the BIPOC community, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and undocumented immigrants. We will continue to work to create equitable practices and inclusionary programs that highlight and support underserved individuals with bleeding disorders.

Nonprofit Designation

In December 1963, Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders was established as a non-profit. PNWBD (previously known as Hemophilia Foundation of Oregon) is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization (tax id #93-0551733) and depends on donations like yours to provide services and programs to people with bleeding disorders in Oregon and SW Washington. Direct Donations are 100% tax-deductible provided they meet IRS regulations.

What We Do…

ADVOCACY

Members of the advocate council are leaders in the Oregon bleeding disorders community. They work together to form a strong network of advocates and raise awareness of bleeding disorders among their state and local officials. We use both virtual and in-person visits, emails, Phone2Action, and social media to advocate on bills and health policy initiatives that are important to the bleeding disorder community.

Keeping locally elected officials informed of the struggles facing people who live with bleeding disorders is a challenge that PNWBD faces constantly. Your voice needs to be heard and understood by local and state government.

What We Do…

Camp Tapawingo

Yet not long ago, the idea of a child with a bleeding disorder going away to summer camp seemed impossible. Many parents, doctors, and camp sponsors believed the risk of accident or injury was too great. However, this is no longer the case. 

 

Camp Tapawingo provides a safe opportunity for children to experience the outdoors and enjoy camp activities such as swimming, archery, and campfires. The camp is often the highlight in a young person’s life as they meet others with a bleeding disorder for the first time. They also learn about their bleeding disorder and are taught to manage their bleeding disorder throughout their lifetime.  This week-long camp also provides an opportunity for siblings to connect on a more personal level.

 

A positive “can-do” approach is encouraged rather than focusing on what a camper cannot do. Kids are not seen as children with a bleeding disorder during camp, but simply as kids who have a very unique medical condition. The campers are encouraged to hike, swim in the pool and the lake, play ga-ga ball, and learn arts and crafts. Cabin groups go on overnight campouts, walk in the woods, enjoy special evening activities, and conclude the day with a relaxing campfire! Campers participate as they are capable, each setting her or his own pace. 

What We Do…

YETI

YETI (Youth Effectively Transitioning to Independence) Conference

YETI is a way for PNWBD and the Hemophilia Center at OHSU to showcase the strong program available for teens with bleeding disorders in Oregon and SW Washington. Participants learn and experience the best way to plan and manage a teen program. The event includes bleeding disorder organizations, teens, and representatives from treatment centers across the country getting together for a simultaneous teen weekend event and overlapping adult trainer program.

About seven years ago, (early Spring 2015) a group of people gathered to discuss the possibility of hosting such a conference here in Oregon. The concept began to take shape and eventually was funded by Pfizer. The attendees of the conference represented bleeding disorder organizations, like PNWBD (back then we were HFO!), and Hemophilia Treatment Centers, like the outstanding team available at OHSU.

Our Team

Meet the Team of Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders

Madonna McGuire Smith
Executive Director
Michelle Fernandez
Fundraising – Events Manager
Trinity Ellis
Special Events Assistant
Rhonda Soule’
Bookkeeper
Ariadna Castrejon
Hispanic Program Assistant
Take a Look Back at Where We’ve Been

Educational Opportunties

Our educational opportunities offer a wide variety of presentations including such topics as medical treatments, self-infusion, insurance issues, legislative challenges, coping skills and mental health.

Fundraisers

PNWBD proudly hosts two annual fundraisers a year. In spring we hold the annual Unite walk for bleeding disorders. And in fall we host our annual Shooting for the Stars Auction

YETI

YETI, one of the strongest programs in the world of bleeding disorders across the US, is an experiential train-the-trainer weekend conference created by PNWBD.

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