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This year’s winner, Joe Mickeliunas, is a shining example of a kind, impactful and dedicated leader. Fellow chapter members say that he’s truly one of a kind, and that he has the power to change the world. A teacher by profession, Mickeliunas uses his education skills to raise awareness for bleeding disorders.
But he’s also a dedicated father to son Elliott, who has hemophilia. Elliott was diagnosed as an infant. Joe Mickeliunas and his wife, Jenny, found this diagnosis shocking, as many parents do. But they quickly got involved with the community and found solace, support and a passion for furthering research and fundraising. Mickeliunas is president of the 2023 Advisory Board of the Nebraska Chapter.
There’s being involved, and there’s being involved at the level of Sean Pentz. Pentz is not only a valuable resource to the Hemophilia Association of San Diego County; he also is a vital asset to the local community. Pentz, who lives with hemophilia, has lent his voice and experience to raise awareness, advocate for policy and legislation, and educate others. He has frequently put pen to paper to write op-eds around state bills, working toward more accessible and affordable insurance and prescription medicine for himself, his children and others living with chronic conditions.
Donna DiMichele, MD, has been a leader in the inherited bleeding disorders field for more than a quarter of a century. She has been a strong advocate for the development of physician researchers, and her own research has focused on pediatric hematology, pediatric rare diseases and biomedical ethics. For many years, she was the director of the Comprehensive Center of Excellence for Hemophilia and Coagulation Disorders in New York and attending physician at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. In 2023, we honor Dr. DiMichele as Researcher of the Year.
Doris Quon, MD, PhD, is a truly tireless advocate for her patients. She is the sole hematologist at the Orthopaedic Hemophilia Treatment Center (OHTC) in Los Angeles and is always available.
Recognized as a supportive, informative and helpful presence, Dr. Quon also is seen as a role model. Dr. Cindy Bailey, for example, notes that Dr. Quon “embodies the pursuit of knowledge to better patient care for our center and patients universally.” For more than 20 years, Dr. Quon has gained knowledge in care for the orthopaedic patient pre-surgically, surgically, post-surgically and rehabilitative with product coverage and dosing. She collaborates with the world's most prominent bleeding disorders orthopaedic surgeons and creates a plan for each patient based on their bleeding history and individual product success for each patient.
What could be more “core” to the blood and bleeding disorders community than camp? Each year, chapters nationwide work tirelessly to put on camp programs that provide critical educational opportunities and create memories that last a lifetime. In 2023, the Val Bias and Todd Smith Innovation in Camp Award recognizes Camp Hot-to-Clot for its innovative camp activities and educational experiences.
Janet Barone, program director, Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation (WPDBF), considers it a true privilege to serve “the amazing youth and teens in the Western PA bleeding disorders community.” Staff from WPDBF and the Hemophilia Center of Western PA frequently collaborate to keep youth and teens engaged and connected through camp, retreats and other programs. “We are honored to receive this recognition," Barone said.
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