FACTOR
GEORGE
Our mission is to raise awareness of severe hemophilia and other bleeding disorders through education and advocacy, while also providing essential support to families in need of life-saving medication. We strive to empower individuals and communities with knowledge, compassion, and resources, ensuring that no family faces the battle against hemophilia alone.
JOIN US FOR WORLD HEMOPHILIA DAY APRIL 17, 2024
Help us reach our goal of raising $420 to sponsor a family for one year.
George's Journey
In the early hours of August 15, 2023 at 12:32 am, George made his spirited entrance into the world, brimming with energy and determination. The birth of our cherished George brought us profound joy and an unbreakable bond.
However, as the first 24 hours unfolded, a series of events hinted at the uniqueness of George's situation. Routine health assessments, including a heel puncture for blood tests, exposed a concerning issue. The blood from the heel poke did not clot as expected, raising an initial flag of concern.
As the week progressed, challenges mounted. George's circumcision experienced persistent bleeding, initially attributed to a minor accidental nick he incurred during a diaper change. Over the course of 8 hours, medical professionals exhaustively attempted various techniques to halt the bleeding. Even a urologist's intervention, involving several stitches, did not achieve the desired result. Compounding the concern, George's heel, punctured nearly 36 hours earlier for testing, still exhibited bleeding.
Then, around 4:00 pm on that pivotal Thursday, our lives underwent an irreversible transformation. George's bloodwork unveiled a staggering revelation – his factor eight levels were below 0.3%, a stark contrast to the normal range of 80%-100%. The diagnosis was crystal clear: Severe Hemophilia A. Never could we have anticipated such a diagnosis. The revelation painted a new reality for George and our family
George's young life will be marked by a series of regular infusions, a vital ritual designed to provide him with the clotting factors his body lacks. These infusions are his shield, his defense against potential bleeding episodes that might otherwise threaten his well-being. The everyday experiences most take for granted, like learning to ride a bike or joining in playground games, and sports will be interspersed with necessary precautions.
This journey isn't one George faces alone; his family; Mom, Dad, big brother Tommy, Grandma, Grandpa, Yia Yia, Aunts, Uncles, and friends, with hearts woven together, will be right beside him every step of the way. Medical professionals, those dedicated and steadfast, will become guiding lights through the labyrinth of challenges. Together, this collective force will help George discover his reservoir of resilience, his innate strength, and the promise that life holds.
As George's narrative unfolds, it's important to remember that his story is only in its opening chapters. Alongside his family and the unwavering medical team, George's tale of courage is just commencing. In the face of these formidable odds, we embark on this expedition with George, fueled by love that knows no bounds, fortified by the courage that dwells within, and fueled by the dream of a life imbued with limitless potential.
What is hemophilia?
Hemophilia A is a rare and formidable foe, a condition that has entered the life of our precious George, a boy of boundless potential. It is a rare condition, touching only about 12 in every 100,000 males in the US. Every year, a mere 400 boys like George enter the world with this complex challenge, illuminating the rarity of their path and the hurdles they must overcome
For little George and others like him, navigating life with Hemophilia A will be a constant, watchful endeavor, demanding the utmost care. This condition, etched into his genetic makeup, disrupts his blood's ability to clot effectively, chiefly due to a scarcity of essential clotting factors, including factor VIII. Even the tiniest of injuries can provoke prolonged bleeding, a circumstance unfamiliar to most. It means that even simple cuts and bruises could bring about complications, requiring careful management.
So what are we doing about it
Join us for upcoming World Hemophilia Day on Wednesday, April 17, by supporting our mission to raise $420 for Save One Life. With your help, we can sponsor a family in a developing country battling a bleeding disorder for an entire year. ♥️
This sponsorship can make a life-changing difference, providing essential support for food, medicine, clothing, transportation, treatment, and education. Together, we can alleviate the burden of families facing these challenges.
Learn more about Save One Life's impactful vision and mission at: saveonelife.net
You can contribute in two ways:
1. Purchase a specially designed t-shirt for $25 ($14 will cover the cost of the t-shirt).
T-shirt orders will close on April 1 to insure you have your shirt to wear on April 17!
2. Donate directly to our fundraising goal.
100% of the proceeds will go directly to Save One Life.
We've chosen Save One Life because we understand the stark realities of accessing treatment for bleeding disorders worldwide. While we're fortunate to have access to care in the United States, many families in developing countries struggle to access even basic necessities, let alone life-saving treatments. Your support can make a difference in their lives. ♥️
We also aim to raise awareness about George and his journey with Severe Hemophilia A on this day. Severe Hemophilia A is a rare condition affecting only about 12 out of every 100,000 males in the US. Each year, approximately 400 boys, like George, are born into the world facing this complex challenge, underscoring the rarity of their experiences and the hurdles they must overcome.
Join us in reflecting, educating, and celebrating our journey with George over the past eight months. We invite you to our home on the night of April 17 for drinks and appetizers. For details, please contact Colin or Jessica.
Thank you for joining us in making a meaningful impact this World Hemophilia Day. ♥️