HoG’s Chief Governance Officer, Alex P., Shares His Family’s Personal Connection to the Bleeding Disorder Community
When Alex P.’s son, Jacob, was just seven years old, a fall into a creek while playing with friends changed the course of their family’s life. Jacob hit his hip on a rock and developed a hematoma the size of a tennis ball. Surgery was recommended, but two weeks later, his stitches began to bleed unexpectedly. That moment led to a bleeding disorder diagnosis.
“At that time, we were unbelievably grateful and fortunate to have the services of Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG),” Alex recalls. Through the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, the family was introduced to HoG’s outreach nurse, Penny, who visited their home to provide personalized education and support. She helped the family understand hemophilia, develop a treatment plan, and taught them how to manage their son’s care. In the early days, Nurse Penny administered infusions. Over time, Jacob learned to self-infuse, a milestone that empowered him to take control of his health.
“My wife Kathryn and I grew together as a young married couple and family with HoG by our side,” Alex says. “When Jacob was a little boy, they provided robust outreach, a pharmacy that delivered medication to our doorstep, and helped us understand how to manage our son’s bleeding disorder while keeping him active in the sports he loved so much.”
As Jacob grew, so did the family’s involvement with HoG. He attended Camp Wannaklot, where he connected with other children living with bleeding disorders. Alex even volunteered at camp one year, teaching tennis and witnessing firsthand the impact of HoG’s youth programming. Inspired by his brother’s journey, Alex’s daughter pursued a career in nursing.
As Jacob’s determination and advocacy continued into college, where he was a John Youtsey Memorial Scholarship recipient. As a student at the University of Georgia, he and his friend Chris, a fellow rower and pre-med student, launched Row for Hemophilia, a bold fundraising initiative to row 2,400 miles unassisted across the Pacific Ocean. Their goal was to raise $125,000 for HoG, with at least $50,000 going directly to support Camp Wannaklot and research for a cure.
He trained rigorously and followed a proactive infusion schedule to safely complete the journey. Though their rudder broke after 150 miles, the effort captured the hearts of many and raised awareness. He would have been the first person with hemophilia to complete an ocean row.
The story of Row for Hemophilia resonated far beyond the rowing community. On a flight, Alex met an HoG board member, and shared Jacob’s story. The board member revealed that he had bonded with his own son over the rowing journey and used it as inspiration and proof that anything is possible. That conversation led Alex to join the board himself. He has since served as Vice Chief Governance Officer and now holds the role of Chief Governance Officer.
“It is an absolute pleasure and delight to serve alongside other passionate individuals who care deeply about the bleeding disorder community and HoG’s mission to help these individuals live as normal a life as possible,” Alex says.
Alex’s family story is a powerful reminder of how quality clinical care, education, and community can transform lives. If you’re inspired by their story and want to make a difference, there are many ways to get involved. Whether you volunteer at Camp Wannaklot, attend fundraising events, or donate to support our programs, your contribution helps families like Alex’s thrive. Visit our website to learn more and get involved today.