Hemophilia Charity Bike Ride Comes to New Hampshire

Contact: Richard Pezzillo                                  (202)-675-6984           r.pezzillo@hemophiliafed.org 

Bike rides create awareness and generate funds for bleeding disorders community

Washington, D.C. – The Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA) expands its 4th annual Gears for Good charity bike ride to several regions across the nation starting this year!  The first regional bike ride will be held in Andover, NH the weekend of June 27-29.

Gears for Good bike rides raise awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.  Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder, which affects only 20,000 people in the United States and results in excessive bleeding.  Bleeding episodes may be external or internal into joints, muscles, the abdominal cavity, the brain, and other organs.  Untreated bleeds can lead to crippling deformities of the joints or life threatening bleeds within the body.  Currently, there is no cure, and medication needed to treat the disorder typically costs around $250,000 annually per person.

The funds raised during the bike ride will support HFA’s Helping Hands program.  Helping Hands is a one-of-a-kind assistance program available to people living with a bleeding disorder undergoing temporary financial crisis due to their chronic condition.

“Hemophilia is not only physically and emotionally painful, it can be financially challenging,” said Allie Boutin, HFA Development Coordinator. “I am proud to organize this fundraiser to help moms and dads who have lost their jobs or paychecks because they stayed in the hospital with their children.  I ride for adult males who aren’t able to work because of their debilitating and chronic pain”.

You can help raise awareness and funds to assist people affected by hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, by registering for the ride and donating to support this important cause.  Visit www.gearsforgood.com for more information.

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HFA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1994 to address the evolving needs of the bleeding disorders community. HFA serves as a consumer advocate for safe, affordable, and obtainable blood products and health coverage, as well as a better quality of life for all persons with bleeding disorders. HFA’s ongoing consumer advocacy agenda includes product safety, as well as accessibility, affordability, and availability of the products the individuals of this community require.