Each year, the Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California (HFSC) hosts an annual Walk to raise crucial funds in support of our mission to “improve the quality of life and build community for those living with inherited bleeding disorders in Southern California.” This year, our walk will take place on November 4, 2023 at Whittier Narrows, and we are expecting over 500 attendees. In order to raise even more funds in support of our community, we are planning to host an online auction this year to take place around the time of the Walk, from approximately October 19-November 6.

This year’s theme is Superhero! From 10-11:30, there are a variety of activity, health, and sponsor booths for the attendees to visit, followed by the opening ceremony, the walk, lunch, and then the closing.

For many, a world without bleeding disorders is simply a dream. Thousands of kids and adults affected face internal bleeding, costly treatments, and lifelong infusions. Funds raised at this event help us continue to assist, advocate, and serve our community. Support of the Walk helps HFSC to: Send children with bleeding disorders to summer camp where they learn the lifesaving technique of self-infusion; Deliver educational and support programming to our members; and Fund critical research.

HFSC has been serving the community since 1954, providing quality programs and services to individuals affected by hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Like many foundations, ours began out of the vision of a few individuals who saw the need and importance of uniting in an effort to provide information, education, and improved treatments that would keep their loved ones alive.

We serve the following 9 counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Riverside, Inyo and Ventura Counties. Based on a conservative estimate, 12% of the nation’s bleeding disorder population resides in our area, an approximate 3,000 individuals with Hemophilia A and B, over 300,000 individuals with von Willebrand, as well as countless more with other types of genetic bleeding disorders.

HFSC offers assistance in many areas such as medic alert sponsorship, emergency financial assistance, family gatherings and retreats, educational seminars, advocacy, and youth focused programs such as summer camp and teen leadership training. HFSC aims for a future where there is a cure for our members, and in the meantime, to raise awareness about bleeding disorders. Through our programs, events, and advocacy days, we hope to achieve this locally and nationally.