In case you missed it, we’ve added a recording of David’s session at our AGM to our website. David Page presents Exploring Novel Therapy Pathways in Treatment, offering an in‑depth look at current & emerging approaches in bleeding disorder care. Continue reading
Important Announcement – Hemophilia Ontario Name Change
Following a successful vote by our Board of Directors, the motion to change our name from Hemophilia Ontario to Bleeding Disorders Ontario was brought to our community at our recent AGM and it passed. We are so grateful to everyone who participated and made their voice heard. Continue reading
2026 John Plater Scholarship Now Accepting Applications!
Hemophilia Ontario’s John Plater Scholarship and Bursary Program is now open for 2026 applications. This program honours John Plater, a dedicated advocate for the bleeding disorders community and those impacted by the tainted blood tragedy. It supports students pursuing post-secondary education or trade school.
In 2026, one $4,000 scholarship and up to $4,000 in bursaries will be awarded to eligible Ontario residents.
Application deadline: June 5, 2026 Continue reading
New Monthly Treatment for Von Willebrand Disease Shows Promise
Star Therapeutics has announced encouraging progress for a potential new treatment for von Willebrand disease (VWD). Their investigational therapy, called VGA039, is designed to be taken just once a month and could help prevent or reduce bleeding episodes in people living with all types of VWD. Continue reading
My Make‑A‑Wish Moment with the NBA – Ryan’s Story
Growing up with severe Von Willebrand Type 3, I was constantly treated differently, especially when it came to sports. It was never directly said that I didn’t belong, but it was always implied through the way people responded to me. Instead of being pushed to try, I was often met with hesitation, concern, and sympathy. People would suggest I sit out, take it easy, or wait for another time, not realizing that those words didn’t feel protective; they felt limiting. I didn’t want to be seen as someone who needed to be held back or treated differently. What bothered me most wasn’t the condition itself, but the way it made others view me, as if I were fragile, as if I couldn’t handle the same moments everyone else was experiencing.
Because of that, I eventually reached out to Make-A-Wish, not fully knowing what to expect. Continue reading
Hemophilia Ontario Stickers
Celebrate World Hemophilia Day with Us! We’ve created a special set of Hemophilia Ontario–themed stickers to mark World Hemophilia Day — featuring our programs, our community, and the spirit of bleeding disorders awareness. Continue reading
Hemophilia Ontario in the Thunder Bay News!
Nicole Kowal spoke about the impact of Bombardier Blood and the importance of community support. Don’t miss our Thunder Bay screening this Friday — a powerful film and an even more powerful cause. Continue reading
Board of Directors Nominations Now Open – Due Before the AGM
Hemophilia Ontario is committed to improving the quality of life for people living with inherited bleeding disorders through advocacy, education, and support. Our Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding this work and ensuring that our community remains at the center of everything we do. Continue reading
Thunder Bay Screening of Bombardier Blood – Community Fundraiser
Bombardier Blood follows mountaineer Chris Bombardier, who lives with severe hemophilia B, as he travels to Nepal and attempts to summit Mount Everest. Filmed by hemophiliac filmmaker Patrick James Lynch, the documentary highlights Chris’s Seven Summits journey and the stark differences in access to hemophilia care around the world. Executive produced by Alex Borstein, the film is an inspiring look at resilience, advocacy, and global health equity. Continue reading
What Clinical Teams Are Learning as Gene Therapies Move Into Real‑World Care
A recent discussion at the HOPA Annual Conference highlighted how hemophilia and sickle cell disease offer important lessons about the future of gene therapy access. Although both conditions qualify only the most severely affected individuals for treatment, their patient populations and care needs differ significantly, and those differences shape how gene therapies can be delivered in practice. Continue reading
