Continued from previous page
Connie Thibodeaux, MSW, LCSW, BACS, of the Louisiana Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders, recognizes that social work is a key part of bleeding disorders care, especially at an HTC. By making it a priority to serve the uniquely local needs of her community, Connie has had a life-changing impact on her patients.
Connie also serves as a role model for others in the field, and is known for going above and beyond to help her fellow social workers improve their skillsets. By presenting her with the Social Worker of the Year, NHF recognizes Connie’s outstanding service to the blood and bleeding disorders community beyond her day-to-day responsibilities.
Jamie McCreery, MS, CGC, of Versiti Blood Center in Wisconsin, is set apart by her expertise and remarkably patient-centric approach. She has opened the world of genetic counseling to her community by helping them understand testing options; the importance of responsible test utilization; and the role genetics play in hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other rare blood and bleeding disorders.
NHF recognizes the leading role Jamie has taken in assisting, guiding and educating families and individuals on the genetic inheritance of blood and bleeding disorders, and honors her efforts by naming her Genetic Counselor of the Year.
Anita Wood, PT, is an asset to both her patients and colleagues at the Louisiana Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders. She serves her patients not just through exercises and stretches, also but through frequent and vocal advocacy. She’s struck the special balance of uplifting and empowering her patients while also educating other physical therapy professionals on how to safely treat patients with blood or bleeding disorders.
NHF honors Anita’s ability to provide great care for members of the bleeding disorders community, and to inspire other physical therapists to do the same. Congratulations, Anita, on being the Physical Therapist of the Year!
During 30 years of service to the bleeding disorders community, Brenda Nielsen, MSN, RN, has accumulated a wide and impressive range of accomplishments. She was the first nurse coordinator at the University of North Carolina Hemophilia Treatment Center, founded the first camp for people with bleeding disorders in North Carolina, and spearheaded the passage of legislation establishing the advisory council on rare diseases within the School of Medicine of the University of North Carolina.
By selecting Brenda for the Nurse of the Year award, NFH’s Nursing Working Group honors not only her legacy, but also the quality of life experienced by her patients, and the growing awareness of bleeding disorders among her colleagues and future health care professionals.
Living with Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia, an ultra-rare disorder, could be daunting for some. But for Esmeralda Vásquez, it’s her reason for giving back, raising her voice, and being a truly powerful advocate for all people with rare blood and bleeding disorders. Over the years, Esmeralda’s name has become synonymous with health equity and patient-centric care. She is recognized as a true champion for subject matter expert voices within the research process, and is the ultimate example of ensuring that everyone’s experiences matter.
The Mary M. Gooley Humanitarian of the Year award honors a non-provider HTC staff member who is dedicated to the families at his or her HTC and demonstrates a commitment to their care. By presenting Esmerelda with the award, NFH recognizes her caring and humane spirit in her work to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Ziggy Douglas, the executive director of the Hawaii Chapter who passed away in 2020, was known for his passion for empowering the next generation of community leaders. Like Ziggy, Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders, based in Oregon, has shaped youth programs and activities that let children and teens find their voice. Through educational programs and youth-led conferences, the chapter is constantly encouraging connection and growth for young community members. By honoring Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders, NHF recognizes the youthful, West Coast spirit of Ziggy Douglas. Chapter Director Madonna McGuire Smith accepted the award.