At eight days old, I was diagnosed with severe hemophilia A, a rare condition that affects 1 in 5,000 males. I am missing a protein in my blood - factor VIII - so my blood is unable to clot on its own. Bruises and bumps are frequent and more pronounced for compared to other kids. But the greater concern is bleeding we don’t see in my muscles and joints. These bleeds can cause irreparable, lifelong damage if left untreated.

There is no cure for hemophilia and I won’t outgrow it. Currently, my treatment plan involves twice weekly IV factor VIII infusions at home. My treatment plan has evolved as I have aged. I started with weekly trips to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital for my factor VIII infusion (or “poke”), then moved to twice weekly visits from a home nurse. If I took a big fall or hit, we'd head to the ER or Iowa City for treatment. Today my mom and dad can infuse me at home without help; something that has truly been life-changing for my family.

Team BDVIII is raising funds through the Unite Walk to support me and Bleeding Disorders of the Heartland, a non-profit organization that has been incredibly supportive since we received my diagnosis. Every dollar stays within the bleeding disorders community and supports critical initiatives such as funding research to find better treatments, educating medical providers on the latest innovations and care, ensuring families have access to quality healthcare and providing access to the best educational resources available. These funds also help send young people with hemophilia in Iowa to summer camp, where they befriend other kids with bleeding disorders and learn to treat on their own. We can't thank you enough for your support and taking the time to learn about our journey!