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NHF’s Idaho Chapter knows full well what it means to have a kind, impactful and dedicated leader. They’ve seen it in Walter Justus.
Each year, NHF presents the Loras Goedken Outstanding Leadership Award to a current chapter board member who has demonstrated leadership in their local community. Through his service on his chapter’s board, his advocacy leadership, and the countless hours spent with summer camps and mentoring, Walter has helped his chapter—and its mission—shine.
Every chapter volunteer is to be celebrated. But the Chapter Volunteer of the Year award honors those who have made a lasting impact in their local chapter through leadership, volunteer efforts, engagement and advocacy. Mariel Laureano of Puerto Rico, this year’s recipient, fits the bill. She has shown dedication to the mission of her local chapter and has served as a valuable resource for her local community. As a team captain for the Unite Walk in Puerto Rico and a vocal advocate for bleeding disorders care and awareness on the island, she has made tremendous strides in educating her community and decision makers. Mariel was also a key member of the Coalition of America group, and has helped elevate the voices of Latin America partnership with NHF and its chapters.
Keith Hoots, MD, recently retired after a lengthy career as director of the Division of Blood Diseases and Resources at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. It’s the perfect time, then, to honor his impressive career by naming him NHF’s Researcher of the Year. The award goes to an individual who has made a significant contribution to scientific research and discovery.
Keith’s work has pioneered the creation of longitudinal follow-up of hemophilia cohorts with HIV and hepatitis, gene therapy trials for hemophilia A and B, clinical trials of new clotting concentrates for hemophilia A and B, and the impact of care and clotting factor product on hemophilia patient outcomes. His professional developments and commitment to research on blood disorders, prevention and blood safety are honored in this award.
For decades, Kimo Stine, MD, has been a champion of well-being and health progress for generations of families with hemophilia. Kimo, who practices at the Hemophilia Treatment Center at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital and is also involved with an international twinning program in Kosovo, is a vocal patient advocate and a committed caregiver whose concern for patients is apparent in everything he does. His patients appreciate his compassion, knowledge of the latest treatments and encouragement to participate in clinical trials. NHF honors Kimo’s major impact on the lives of community members with the Physician of the Year award.
The staff at Camp Bold Eagle, which is part of Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan, has worked tirelessly to create camp programs that provide critical educational opportunities and the chance for campers to establish bonds that last a lifetime. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Bold Eagle excelled at offering new and creative programming, and has helped countless youth feel empowered and more independent.
Camps are a special connection point for the bleeding disorders community, and this award recognizes their significance. Because camps were a particularly meaningful experience for Todd Smith and Val Bias, the award is named in their honor. Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan Executive Director Sue Lerch accepted the award on behalf of Camp Bold Eagle.
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