Client Dinners Offer A Chance to Come Together
By Michelle Putnam, Associate Director of Research & Advocacy
The holidays give us time to be with family, enjoy fellowship with friends, and see those we haven’t seen in a while. It is a time when we unite around a common bond, whether through shared memories, resolutions for the New Year, or arguing over the last piece of pecan pie. They also give us an excuse to eat… and eat… and eat. Fortunately, the Hemophilia of Georgia family doesn’t have to wait until the holidays to get together. During spring and fall, we have the chance to come together as a community during client dinners, sharing a meal together, sharing experiences, and sharing some of our most pressing questions.
One of the challenges of living with a bleeding disorder can be finding someone else that shares the same experience. Sure, Camp Wannaklot gives our kids a chance to develop friendships with kids that share their diagnosis, and Family Camp allows parents to experience fellowship with other parents. Some make life-long friendships with people they meet at our camps. But, it is also nice to get to know the people who live near you. Our client dinners take place across the state, from Brunswick to Athens to Dalton. We’ve even learned how to please everyone - by having dinners at a buffet restaurant where there is something for everyone’s palate (including cotton candy and chocolate waterfalls).
At client dinners, our main goal is to give families time to enjoy a nice dinner, but also to give kids and parents 
time to introduce themselves and talk with other families. Those who have been to Camp Wannaklot talk about their time at camp, convincing younger kids to give it a try. Teenagers talk about the fun they’ve had at Teen Retreat, entertaining youngsters with tales of leadership and traveling. Those who have been to Family Camp convince other families to join, hoping to make our community even closer. Most importantly, though, these dinners give us a safe, confidential space - a place to talk candidly about challenges you or your kids have faced when it comes to living with a bleeding disorder.
For those of you who join us at client dinners, we thank you for taking time out of busy schedules to spend time with your bleeding disorder community. Many families are now able to recognize each other from previous client dinners and events and this definitely helps to give our client dinners the feel of a family gathering. And, as with any family gathering, we are always ready to welcome more of you!
If there are ways that you think client dinners could be improved, whether it is through more education or more ice breaker games, let us know! Please, feel free to contact Michelle Putnam at the HoG office. Until then, over this holiday season, we’ll all be thankful for our Hemophilia of Georgia family!