GLHF’s Bleeding Disorders Conference Offered a Weekend of Connection and Community

Earlier this summer, families from across Wisconsin gathered at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells for GLHF’s annual Wisconsin Bleeding Disorders Conference. This year’s event welcomed more than 55 families, along with medical experts and industry partners, for a weekend of education, connection and community.

Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in a wide range of sessions tailored to meet families wherever they are in their journey — whether newly diagnosed or attending their tenth conference. The agenda, carefully curated by a planning committee of healthcare professionals from Wisconsin’s Hemophilia Treatment Centers, offered content for all ages and stages, including those living with rarer bleeding disorders.

Here’s are some of the comments from attendees at this year’s conference:

“The Q&A with pediatric hematologists and the roundtable with a physical therapist were great!”

“Interchange Theatre’s improv session was SO much fun—and a great way to meet new people.”

“Jill L. is an incredible presenter! She makes nutritional topics fun and memorable.”

“It was so helpful to get an update on all the local and national advocacy GLHF does for our community.”

“I had never tried sound bath meditation before—and I LOVED it! So relaxing. A much-needed self-care moment.”

“The Sunday breakfast symposium presented by Star Therapeutics was so good, even my kids paid attention and learned something!”

“I loved the topic roundtables like ‘Nasty Nosebleeds’ and ‘Advocacy in Action!’”

One mom reflected on how meaningful the experience was for her family:

“We’ve lived in three states since our son was diagnosed with von Willebrand Disease, and the care in Wisconsin has been, by a huge margin, the best experience for our family,” she said. “Our son has learned so much about his disorder, and that’s boosted his confidence. I was able to learn how to infuse him at home—life changing. He knows a bleed doesn’t mean an ER trip anymore. Mom can do it. We can both breathe huge sighs of relief. All thanks to GLHF and our HTC team.”

That sense of renewed confidence and connection echoed throughout the weekend. As one family put it, “Every year we walk away with more tools, deeper friendships, and a better sense of what’s possible.”

This impactful program would not be possible without the support of Wisconsin’s Hemophilia Treatment Centers, dedicated volunteers, generous industry partners, and donors like you. Your support ensures that weekends like this aren’t just possible — but powerful.

We can’t wait to share plans for our 2026 conference soon! Stay connected by subscribing to GLHF emails at the bottom of our page.