Question: What Is Red, White and Blue and Has a Medal Hanging From It?

Horizons in Hemophilia, August 2009

By Cathy Hulbert, LCSW, HoG Social Worker

Answer: Will C.'s reward for placing 1st in the boys age 8 and under free-style swimming championship, held recently at the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center in Gainesville. Will, who has severe hemophilia, is beginning to see the possibilities of being Olympic-bound, said his mother, Elizabeth. If he does pursue that goal, the Sautee resident could become a spokesperson and a source of encouragement for bleeding disorders, she added. At age 7, he is determined to prove that having hemophilia does not prevent someone from being an accomplished athlete.

Will swam the 25-yard backstroke with a time of 23.71 seconds coming in 3rd overall. Placing in the top 3 in both of his individual events qualifies him for the state preliminaries in July in Tifton, Georgia. He swims year around for Habersham Rapids Swim Team in Habersham and Lanier Aquatics in Gainesville. His immediate family (and proud cheering squad) includes his father, Dr. John C., a dentist in north Georgia, his mother and his three brothers: Ross, Ben and Justin. His grandparents are cheering him on, too.

Go, Will! Hemophilia of Georgia is very excited for you!