Celebrating 50 Years of Impacting the Lives of People Like Zach!
This year, Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG) is celebrating 50 years of serving the bleeding disorder community. As part of our celebration, we will be sharing stories from people in the bleeding disorder community. Meet Zach C., he is one of the thousands of people whose life has been positively impacted through the work of our organization.
Zach’s family was shocked when he was diagnosed at birth with severe hemophilia despite no family history of hemophilia. His parents had no prior experience with bleeding disorders and had only heard frightening stories about people impacted by hemophilia. Many of Zach’s doctors had heard of hemophilia but did not have an actual patient with it since it is so rare. Fortunately, Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG) reached out soon after he was born and offered educational resources that helped the entire family learn what the diagnosis would mean for them. HoG provided expert guidance and clarified many of the unknowns.
Beginning at infancy and throughout his life, HoG’s nurses and social workers were there to check in on the family and adjust his treatment plan as necessary. They were instrumental in teaching Zach how to be self-sufficient and take charge of his own health from a young age. He even learned how to self-infuse at HoG’s Camp Wannaklot, the only summer camp in Georgia for children impacted by bleeding disorders. Zach attended camp almost every year from ages 7-17 and participated in all the fun activities from bike riding to fishing! Being with other kids who had hemophilia and seeing how they did not let it hold them back made Zach confident he could live his life normally and safely if he managed his risks and was proactive with his treatments. Because of the positive impact camp had on Zach growing up, he decided to volunteer as a counselor for two years. He enjoyed coming full circle and wanted to give back to the community that had given so much to him.
Zach later attended Georgia Southern for construction management and was a recipient of Hemophilia of Georgia’s John W. Youtsey Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship program helps Georgia residents who are affected by bleeding disorders. Students who receive the John Youtsey Memorial Scholarship can use the funds for college, vocational, or technical school. Scholarships are granted based on scholastic achievement, financial need, and personal goals. We are delighted to report that Zach now has a career he loves as a Concrete Project Manager.