#United States #New York #Bleeding Disorders #Celebrities #NBDF

National Bleeding Disorders Foundation Launches 'Educate to Elevate' Campaign

The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) is excited to announce the launch of its new initiative, "Educate to Elevate", designed to raise public awareness and improve healthcare access for individuals living with bleeding disorders. This multi-year campaign is supported by an array of celebrity advocates, including Melora Hardin, Amy Jo Johnson, Jonathan Frakes, Jason Ritter, and Greg Grunberg, who aim to shed light on the challenges faced by those affected by these conditions.

Understanding Bleeding Disorders

Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, create significant challenges for individuals due to their blood's inability to clot properly. This leads to prolonged bleeding after injuries, spontaneous bleeding into joints, and heavy menstrual bleeding. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates around 30,000-33,000 males in the United States are affected by hemophilia. However, this figure does not account for women, many of whom face similar bleeding symptoms without receiving appropriate attention or treatment.

Von Willebrand disease, the most common bleeding disorder, affects about 1% of the global population, regardless of gender. Despite this prevalence, many women often find their symptoms normalized or overlooked, resulting in years of misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Common issues such as heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent nosebleeds, and excessive bruising may persist unaddressed for decades.

Philip M. Gattone, M.Ed., president and CEO of NBDF, emphasizes the urgency of addressing these misdiagnoses. He states, "Bleeding disorders like hemophilia and von Willebrand disease are serious, and, particularly when they affect women and girls, are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. Our aim is to raise awareness and elevate the voices of those affected so that they receive the support and medical attention they need."

Campaign Features

The "Educate to Elevate" campaign encompasses a series of innovative components aimed at amplifying awareness:

1. Celebrity-Driven Videos: The initiative includes a set of short videos highlighting critical themes such as the challenges in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and the importance of community-focused research. These videos feature celebrities and everyday individuals sharing their personal stories and insights, creating a real connection to the issues at hand.

2. Future Content: Following the initial video series, upcoming content plans to expand the discussion to include caregivers, youth perspectives, community access to healthcare, and recent advancements in research that affect the broader bleeding disorders community.

3. Podcast Series: Scheduled to launch in Spring 2026, a podcast series hosted by Greg Grunberg will facilitate deeper dialogue around significant topics within the bleeding disorders community, featuring stories and discussions that matter to those affected.

Greg Grunberg shares his perspective on this initiative: "Living with a rare disease that isn’t well understood can be incredibly challenging. Many individuals face extraordinary circumstances, and I am proud to help amplify their voices."

How to Get Involved

Individuals interested in learning more can find campaign videos shared across NBDF's social media channels and their website, bleeding.org. This platform not only provides resources regarding the campaign itself but also connects individuals to additional programs and assistance available through NBDF.

The support of industry partners such as Sanofi, Kedrion BioPharma, and Genentech has been vital for this project.

About NBDF

The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation is committed to addressing and preventing complications from inherited blood and bleeding disorders through research, education, and advocacy. By empowering individuals and families affected by conditions like hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, NBDF aims to create a supportive network across the United States.

For more information about the “Educate to Elevate” campaign, or to learn how to support the cause, please explore their official site at bleeding.org/educate-to-elevate. Follow NBDF on social media @nbdf_foundation to stay connected and informed about their latest efforts.