|
The Oklahoma
Hemophilia Foundation's Annual Meeting took place on July 18-19, at the
Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. The meeting kicked off with dinner on
Friday evening, followed by the 2008 camp video and the awards
presentations. Congratulations go out to our two educational scholarship
recipients, J. R. Brawner and Crystal Gazaway. Later that evening,
attendees were invited to attend the OHF's first annual Art Exhibit and
Silent Auction. The children and youth who attended this year's camp,
proudly exhibited their fine artwork. Those attending the exhibit also had
the opportunity to purchase any of the artwork on display. The proceeds
from this event in the amount of $700, will help support next year's “Camp
Independence.” A special thanks goes out to Dustin Johnson, Nathan Holloway
and Darla Williams for all their hard work in putting this event together
for our annual meeting. We look forward to making this program a permanent
part of the annual meeting.
The keynote speaker
for this year's meeting was Val Bias, CEO of the National Hemophilia
Foundation Mr. Bias presented a short film and spoke passionately about
the history of the bleeding disorders community. He noted the great
improvements in treatment and product safety, while emphasizing that the
bleeding disorders community is in the forefront to ensure the safety of
America's blood supply. Mr. Bias also noted and explained the need for
change and reorganization at NHF to better serve the entire bleeding
disorders community as we move forward. After his address, Mr. Bias remained
and participated in our round table discussions, as well as visiting and
discussing issues with individual members of OHF.
For the remainder
of the meeting, members were invited to attend the round table discussion
groups. A list of various topics ranging from Aging in Hemophilia to
Legislative Advocacy were offered to participants. Each participant was
asked to choose 3 topics important to themselves and the community. Each
group had a facilitator who presented the topic, gave information on the
topic and answered questions from the group.
While the adults
spent the day in educational discussions, the children and teens also spent
time learning new things. The teens spent the morning doing community
service, learning teamwork and responsibility. The younger children spent
the morning at the Zoo, where they were educated about animals who inhabit
Oklahoma. Their afternoon was spent participating in the “Dream Builders”
program, an educational and creative arts program, where the children built,
painted and raced their own wooden car.
This year's meeting
was made an even greater success due to the participation of many new
members and first time attendees. Plans for next year's meeting has begun,
if anyone is interested in assisting with the arrangements for this event,
please contact Betty Lockler. |
