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Lauren Dunn, MSW, has been in the bleeding disorders community for 20 years. During that time, she has made significant contributions locally, regionally and nationally, including being a key figure in helping pass the Skilled Nursing Facilities Act, creating a statewide assessment for bleeding disorders. She’s also a frequent chapter volunteer and educator, published research author and more. Her ongoing work has led to more individuals having better access to care and an increasingly educated community. Dunn notes that the timing of the honor is significant as she passes the two-decade mark as HTC social worker at Virginia Commonwealth University. “I am humbled to share a place with the many incredible social workers who preceded me in receiving this recognition,” she said in learning of the award. “I believe in the saying that 'None of us is as strong enough as all of us,' and I share this award with the countless colleagues and friends in the bleeding disorders community who have supported me throughout my journey.”
Kaylee Dollerschell, MS, CGC, provides genetic counseling services at the University of Colorado Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center, serving as the first genetic counselor in that role. But she goes beyond her professional duties to volunteer her expertise. Dollerschell, the 2023 Genetic Counselor of the Year, facilitates case discussion and learning. Additionally, she collaborates with industry leaders in gene therapy, as well as in the development and sharing of resources specific to hematology. She is an enthusiastic talent, consummate professional and rising leader within the blood and bleeding disorders community. Dollerschell is recognized as a confident advocate, and is known to raise her hand often for projects related to the hemophilia patient population, including the development of an educational handout specific to women and girls affected by hemophilia.
Lora Joyner, MS, PT, PCS, is nearing retirement from a full-time career in a hemophilia treatment center, and she’s leaving behind a legacy. As the recipient of this year’s Physical Therapist of the Year Award, she received heartfelt nominations about her impact on colleagues, the bleeding disorders community, patients and families. Joyner said she’ll look back on the achievement with a mix of pride and humility. “I am grateful that my name will be associated with Donna Boone and previous award winners and recognized as a role model and mentor for current and future healthcare professionals in the bleeding disorder community,” she said.
For more than 25 years, Jennifer Donkin, DNP(c), PNP, has served the blood and bleeding disorders community. She has aided international patients, received numerous certifications, conducted original research and co-authored many papers, in addition to regularly volunteering with her local chapter. She is, in short, an outstanding nurse in every way. Guy Young, MD, who has been a colleague for 16 years, said Donkin had dedicated her entire professional life to the hemophilia community, and had served as the most experienced person at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). “She recalls in meetings the difficult times she endured taking care of – and, sadly, watching many of her patients die of – AIDS when she first started at CHLA, and has seen the evolution and revolution of care through her 30+ years of patient care.” Most importantly, he said, Donkin has “dutifully, energetically and with great care and compassion” likely taken care of more than 1,000 different patients with bleeding disorders – including at least three generations in some families.
Chris Bombardier, MSGH, executive director of the international nonprofit Save One Life, continues to reach new heights. This year, he’s our Mary M. Gooley Humanitarian of the Year. Bombardier is a highly accomplished mountaineer and the first person with hemophilia to successfully climb the Seven Summits, including Mount Everest. He has dedicated his climbs to fundraising for Save One Life, raising over a quarter of a million dollars to help more 75 children worldwide receive sponsorships and scholarships. Save One Life provides direct financial aid to patients with hemophilia in developing countries.
In learning of the award, Bombardier noted that “standing up for the values and belief that every person deserves the right to access to care has been a thread throughout the bleeding disorder community. I am honored to be able to help continue that tradition and hopefully encourage others to do the same.”
It’s one thing to engage adults; it’s another to engage the younger generation. The Ziggy Douglas Innovation in Youth Programming Award celebrates chapters that champion, develop and support the spirit of youth. It’s named for the late Donald “Ziggy” Douglas, former executive director of the Hawaii Chapter of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation.This year’s winner exemplifies not only Ziggy’s enthusiastic spirit, but also his passion for empowering the next generation of community leaders. The Colorado chapter has shaped youth programs and activities that let kids and teens find their voice. Through educational programs and youth-led conferences, the chapter is constantly encouraging connection and growth for young community members.
