Please see below for a word from our 2020 Gainesville Clot Trot Committee Champion, Joe Burke. Click here to register for the 2020 Clot Trot and fundraise for those in the BDFF community when they need it.
Friends of Bleeders,
I was born in a very rural part of Appalachia nestled in a coal mining town of Whitesburg, Kentucky. My father made his livelihood mining coal from the mountains of southeast Kentucky, and in this upbringing, our closest Hemophilia Treatment Center was 3 and a half hours away. Lexington, Kentucky was our closest bleeding disorder chapter, and materials for bleeding disorders in the early 80’s were scarce. My parents made sure to get me to my appointments, and thankfully I never missed a single doctor’s visit. I was never active in my local hemophilia camps or programs growing up because we lived so far away from the events.
I share this brief glimpse of my past to truly showcase what a treasure the Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Florida is. At age 28 I moved to Orlando, Florida from Kentucky to not only seek better healthcare, but to eventually marry the woman of my dreams. During this unsure transition from one state to the other, I reached out to Fran Haynes for some mentoring, guidance and how I could get involved in the chapter’s programs. Now, for the first time in my life in 2009, I could finally get involved in the bleeding disorder community locally, and partner with my local organization.
We’ve come a long way since the uncertainty days of the early 80’s. At a time when I needed to hear sound wisdom for important life decisions that would impact my own healthcare treatments, the BDFF was there to lend the shoulder. A few years ago, I broke my left foot from a fluke accident. Being on disability and unable to afford the rehabilitation boot I needed, the foundation stepped in to assist in getting the care prescribed. And most importantly, when I just needed an ear to share my struggles of coping with my bleeding disorder, the foundation was always there to listen and offer sound advice.
I’m involved with the BDFF because of the huge impact the team and chapter have had on my life. I stand today more educated, more sound in the choices of treatment and more confident as a patient that we are not defined by our disabilities. Through the continued partnership with the team at BDFF, my life and overall mental health are thriving because of the sound wisdom and relationships I’ve established with this organization. The foundation was and continues to be there for me throughout my journey in living with hemophilia. Every penny the foundation gets from it’s fundraisers and charity events goes directly to those who need it most. I can say this with assurance, because I once was on the receiving end of their uncanny generosity.
Join me this December 19th at Depot Park in Gainesville, Florida as we host our Gator Clot Trot. I will be in attendance as this year’s “Chair Champion,” and I can’t wait to meet each of you! Gather your teams, huddle up those groups, and let’s all walk to raise awareness for all bleeding disorders of Greater Florida.
Heartfelt Thanks,
Joe Burke
Clermont, Florida
