November 07th, 2012

11/07/2012

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I am  in Orlando for the NHF Annual Convention.  I have to admit I felt a slight twinge of guilt when I took off from Albany, NY in 30 degree weather with a nor'easter on the way.  But I'm feeling better about that now!

Tonight I will attend the Chapter Leadership Reception, with others from chapters across the country.  I love the fact that I will be able to discuss events and offerings from other chapters and bring different ideas to our community in the BDANENY area.  If you are also attending the meeting this week, let me know.  I would love a chance to meet up with you. 

~Laura
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Back to school already?!

09/06/2012

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It some ways this summer seemed to be so long, in other ways the summer flew right past me.  I always try to set a goal for myself during the summer, whether it is to make sure I get all my doctors/dentists appointments scheduled or just to get out more and exercise.  Then the summer ends and I have yet to make my appointments, however, I did get in more exercise!

My husband and I spent the beginning of summer preparing to send our daughter off to France to study for a year. (She made it there successfully!)  One of our sons had two major trips/camps (one to Colorado); and the other son was busy working two jobs. 

On top of all of that I was involved in so much activity at the BDANENY.  We held a baseball clinic (followed by a game); we had our Golf Fundraiser and our annual picnic.  It was pretty much guaranteed that during this summer of no rain when the BDANENY planned something it would rain! But we still had a great time!

So now September is here.  My boys are seniors this year, which means preparing for college and separation.  Soon they will turn 18 years of age and they will be responsible for their own health.  It is somewhat shocking to go to the doctor one day, making all the decisions for your child and with the flip of the calendar you no longer do that. (Yep, the consent form is ready to be signed!)   

So as we go through this year my thoughts are already turning to next year when all my children will be “on their own.”  How do I prepare them to handle the emergencies; how to I prepare them to eat properly, to get enough rest, exercise; to study etc?  It helped to have the BDANENY newsletter this summer.  Jeff Bostwick and Dave Huskie gave some great advice for preparing for college; Jeff as a recent student himself and Dave as a parent. We have started the discussions. We will be preparing a protocol. We know we can turn to the HTC for advice and help.  The BDANENY has a great network of people as well.  Parents that are going through the same thing, parents that went through this process, students that are in this same situation, so I will be leaning on this community as well. I feel more and more confident with each passing day.

With this new school year my best wishes go out to all that are sending children off to school.  Don’t be surprised if I call you up for some advice soon!

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New Year's Resolutions

01/05/2012

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Let me begin by saying, I am not a big believer in New Year’s Resolutions.  When I do make them I realize that I put so much pressure on myself that by the end of the first week I have had it.  I am usually so tired from the activities over the Holiday break that I don’t give myself a fighting chance to make the resolution work.

That said there is one resolution that have made for the past few years that I have actually been able to maintain…to volunteer.  I don’t have to decide what to do on the first of the year, I can decide in March or June or September.

I asked a friend once how she does it.  She works full time as an aide for an assemblyman, she is a mom and care giver for a family member with a muscular disorder, and she was volunteering with me at our church.  She said to me, “I am very picky about what I volunteer for and for how much time I can commit.”  She said that sometimes it is not easy to say no to people but she picks her volunteer time very carefully.

When we give our time to different organizations we meet new people, we learn more about the organization, we help those that are in need, we teach our children that time is sometimes more important than money, and we just feel good after giving our time to a worthy cause.

I would love it if more people volunteered at the BDANENY.  We could use people to help at the office, or to help with a fund-raising committee.  If you enjoy writing maybe submitting a blog would be your thing.  We could use people of all ages.  I know teens preparing for graduation need volunteer time, also moms or dads that might have a few minutes a week to give.  Maybe you have board experience and would like to serve on our board.  We would love to meet you!  

So maybe, during this New Year, you can make a resolution to volunteer more.  And maybe, just maybe (fingers crossed here) you would like to volunteer at the BDANENY! 

Happy New Year!

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First Post!

11/17/2011

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Getting back to work after the NHF Annual Meeting last week in Chicago...

     What a large gathering of people! So many times we feel like we are the "only one" dealing with a bleed.

    It was amazing to jog in the morning with physical therapists from Ohio and Idaho and then ending the day with a group from Pennsylvania. Patients, families, healthcare providers and chapter staff all come together with the purpose of learning more about either their own bleeding disorder or a family member's bleeding disorder. 

     I especially enjoyed meeting Cheryl D’Ambrosio. She is the founder/president of MyGirlsBlood, a social networking site for women of all ages to post about their bleeding disorders, their diagnosis, and what their lives are like after their diagnosis.  (www.mygirlsblood.org)

    Thanksgiving is one week away.  I am thankful to everyone that has helped in making my first year at the Bleeding Disorders Association of NENY a great one!  I have enjoyed Advocacy Days, both in Washington and Albany, a golf tournament, family retreat and many other educational programs.  I have met many people from all over the country and from every walk of life. Thank you!

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