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NHF Walk 2016-Hemophilia Foundation of Northern California


Each year people from all walks of life come together for local chapter walks to help support the National Hemophilia Foundation in its quest to support research and services for people with bleeding disorders. From Spring to Fall individuals of all ages, from Anchorage to Honolulu raise money and find sponsors while dedicating themselves to making a difference and spreading awareness.
My local chapter, the Hemophilia Foundation of Northern California participated in it's 8th annual walk at the beautiful Lake Merritt this year. It was a wonderful Spring day and we couldn't have asked for better weather.

Our family and friends came from all over to walk with us this year!!

This is the 3rd year my family has participated and I'd be lying if I said this year didn't take the cake. I was so moved by all of the friends and family that came from all over Northern California to walk and support us this year and it truly brought me to tears several times through out the day.


Tigers on the prowl. Platelet disorder BESTIES!
We started off the morning enjoying the fun activities they had available for the children. While they took turns climbing up the enormous blow up mountain and sliding down the other side, the adults got to catch up. Face painting was available, morning snacks. . . and even a photo booth.


After everybody was filled up on snacks and fun we started off with a zumba warm-up and a word from the sponsors. Walking along with those that came to support us was one of my favorite bleeder families. In true Kari style one of the last groups leaving the starting line. . . 11 adults, 6 kids and 1 dog took to the trail and we were off.

We slowly ventured around the beautiful lake while the children laughed and played along the way. We stopped for snack breaks and even some ice cream too. The 5k walk ended up being a pretty long venture for the little ones, but they powered through in the name of a good cause with little complaints and smiles on their faces.
When we finally crossed the finish line we got to meet up with our bleeder buddies while enjoying lunch along the lake side. The children filled their bellies and re-fueled for a game of tag while the adults got to sit down and enjoy the view while listening to Hannah Jane Kile play on stage.


With the help of those that walked with us and supported Female Factor's group we raised over $1,000. I'm forever grateful for my friends and families participation and hope they come back again next year. All together HFNC raised over $114,000 to go towards local programs.





Kids could pose with Billy the Blood Drop.
Female Factor ladies

These three have a blast together!!

                                                              Written by,
Kari Peepe
©KariPeepe/atouchofscarlett.blogspot.com
http://atouchofscarlett.blogspot.com
pspdaware@gmail.com

For more stories about Bleeding Disorder Events I've attended please check out . . .

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