GLHF’s Wisconsin Bleeding Disorders Conference Celebrates Another Successful Year – Hosting More Than 50 Families!

GLHF’s annual Wisconsin Bleeding Disorders Conference, for people and families living with a bleeding disorder, was held June 7-9 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The weekend provided an opportunity to attend educational sessions presented by experts, meet with health care and industry professionals, and form important connections with peers affected in Wisconsin. This year’s conference brought together more than 50 families for a weekend of connection and education!

One of the highlights included keynote speaker Matthew D. Barkdull, a certified medical family therapist, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified advanced wellness and executive coach, and licensed financial professional. Barkdull spoke about perfectionism, which he calls a pervasive bully that lurks in plain sight, affecting people significantly.

Barkdull’s presentation challenged people to think about some of the unrealistic expectations we put on ourselves, and how this “perfectionist mindset” hinders people’s ability to achieve their goals. He talked about strategies to overcome perfectionism such as focusing on gratitude and community – stating that gratitude improves physical and mental health and improves people’s ability to form and keep close relationships. Barkdull stressed that establishing a strong support network, opening up and sharing your personal journey with other people, becoming a mentor or advocate, and finding comfort in others is critical to a person’s well-being.

GLHF’s Wisconsin Bleeding Disorders Conference aims to do just that – be a place where people living with a bleeding disorder can share their journey and find a community where others understand their unique challenges. “It has been refreshing to meet and talk to people that know what I’m going through instead of constantly explaining it,” stated one attendee.

We also rolled out a Family Mentorship Program that gave an opportunity for families who have attended our conference before to help new families learn about the educational opportunities available at the conference and “show them the ropes.

We thank our conference planning committee for organizing a fantastic weekend program. We look forward to seeing everyone at next year’s conference! Thank you for attending! For information, contact kfrederick@glhf.org.