The 2009 Hemophilia Walk Season has begun!

This year, 11 chapters will be participating in the National Hemophilia Foundation's Hemophilia Walk program. The 11 chapters and the cities hosting them are:

• Arizona Hemophilia Association (Phoenix)
• Central Ohio Chapter of NHF (Columbus)
• Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan (Ypsilanti/Detroit)
• Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California (Los Angeles)
• Hemophilia of Indiana (Indianapolis)
• Hemophilia of North Carolina (Cary/Raleigh/Durham)
• Lone Star Chapter of the NHF (Houston)
• Nebraska Chapter of NHF (Lincoln/Omaha)
• New York City Hemophilia Chapter (New York City)
• Northern Ohio Hemophilia Foundation (Independence/Cleveland/Akron)
• Western Pennsylvania Chapter of NHF (Pittsburgh)

WHAT IS HEMOPHILIA AND VWD?
Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting normally. The main symptom is uncontrolled, often spontaneous bleeding. Internal bleeding into the joints can result in pain, swelling. If left untreated, can cause permanent damage. Currently, there is no cure for hemophilia. Nearly 90% of Americans with severe hemophilia became infected with AIDS in the 1980s when the nation's blood supply was contaminated. More than 50% of those infected with HIV have died.

von Willebrand disease is a genetic bleeding disorder found in both men and women that prevents the blood from clotting normally. It is caused by a deficient or defective blood protein known as von Willebrand factor. It is estimated to affect more than two million people in the U.S.

HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS WILL HELP
NHF's Hemophilia Walk is a nationwide event that raises funds and awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding and clotting disorders. Funds raised will go towards crucial research, advocacy and education. Your support of NHF's National Hemophilia Walk will help us and our chapters fulfill our mission of:

• Funding research toward better treatments and cures.
• Providing education to help people with bleeding disorders avoid debilitating complications and live longer, more active and healthier lives.
• Conducting advocacy initiatives at local and national levels to help ensure access to medical care and equitable insurance reimbursement for all.
• Building awareness of bleeding disorders and promoting early diagnosis.

NHF is dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for bleeding and clotting disorders and to preventing the complications of these disorders through education, advocacy and research. Established in 1948, the National Hemophilia Foundation has chapters throughout the country. Its programs and initiatives are made possible through the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations as well as through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The national presenting sponsor for the 2009 Hemophilia Walk is Baxter Healthcare. The national premier sponsor is Bayer.