The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation’s (NBDF) annual Bleeding Disorders Conference is an opportunity for all members of the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community to come together to learn and share at educational sessions, workshops, industry symposia, and networking and social events.
Every year at BDC, NBDF presents Awards of Excellence to those who have made significant contributions to the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community. The following award recipients were honored at the 2023 Awards of Excellence Ceremony.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Judith Baker, DrPH, MHSA, Camarillo, Calif.
Since 1990, Baker has made an impact on the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community as regional coordinator for the Western States Regional Hemophilia Network; administrator of grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a researcher; an advocate for the NBDF’s nursing, physical therapy, social work, and behavioral health working groups; and a friend to many in the community.
Philanthropist of the Year
Joseph Alioto, M.D., Chicago
Over the past few years, Alioto and his family have given and raised over $200,000 for research into inheritable blood and bleeding disorders treatments and continue to do more each year.
Ryan White Youth Award
Owen Crabbe, Buford, Ga.
At the young age of 10, Crabbe, who lives with a bleeding disorder, has an impressive list of athletic and academic accomplishments. He competes in soccer, cycling, and swimming while also maintaining straight As.
Researcher of the Year
Donna DiMichele, M.D., Washington, D.C.
For more than 25 years, DiMichele has been a strong advocate for the development of physician-researchers. Her research has focused on pediatric hematology, pediatric rare diseases, and biomedical ethics.
Mary M. Gooley Humanitarian of the Year
Chris Bombardier, MSGH, Salem, Mass.
Bombardier is the executive director of Save One Life. A highly accomplished mountaineer, he is the first person with hemophilia to climb the Seven Summits, which includes Mount Everest.
Social Worker of the Year
Lauren Dunn, MSW, Richmond, Va.
Dunn has been a key figure in helping to pass the Skilled Nursing Facilities Access Act, creating a statewide assessment for inheritable blood and bleeding disorders.
Genetic Counselor of the Year
Kaylee Dollerschell, MS, CGC, Denver
Dollerschell provides genetic counseling services at the University of Colorado Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, serving as the first genetic counselor at this hemophilia treatment center.
Physical Therapist of the Year
Lora Joyner, MS, PT, PCS, Pitt County, N.C.
Joyner’s impact on colleagues within the medical community, in the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community, and with patients and families is evident to those she has worked with throughout the years.
Nurse of the Year
Jennifer Donkin, DNP, PNP, Los Angeles
Donkin has helped international patients, received numerous certifications, conducted original research, co-authored many papers, regularly volunteers with her local chapter, and is an outstanding nurse in every way.
Advocate of the Year
Julie Fredricksen Jones, Dallas
Jones has been the executive director of Texas Central Bleeding Disorders since November 2018 and has volunteered with the group since 2010 in various roles.
Physician of the Year
Doris Quon, M.D., Ph.D., Los Angeles
Quon is a tireless advocate for her patients at the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute’s Orthopedic Hemophilia Treatment Center. For more than 20 years, she has gained knowledge in product coverage and dosing to care for orthopedic patients before, during, and after surgery and throughout rehabilitation.
Chapter Volunteer of the Year
Sean Pentz, San Diego
Pentz has shown dedication to the Hemophilia Association of San Diego County’s mission and has served as a valuable resource for his local community. Pentz, who lives with hemophilia, is a longtime advocate who has loaned his voice and experience to raise awareness, advocate for policy and legislation, and educate others.
Loras Goedken Outstanding Leadership Award
Joe Mickeliunas, Omaha, Neb.
President of the Nebraska Chapter’s advisory board, Mickeliunas has the power to change the world. As a teacher, he uses his educational skills to raise awareness of inheritable blood and bleeding disorders.
Ziggy Douglas Award for Innovation in Youth Programming
Colorado Chapter of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, Denver
Through educational programs and youth-led conferences, the Colorado chapter encourages connection and growth for young community members.
Val Bias and Todd Smith Innovation in Camp Award
Camp Hot-to-Clot
Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation, Pittsburgh
This camp enriches the lives of youth with inheritable blood and bleeding disorders in Western Pennsylvania and surrounding areas through innovative camp activities and educational experiences, inclusion, empowerment, and the development of life skills.
John Indence Award
Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation, Pittsburgh
This chapter put its own creative spin on the Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month theme, “Start the Conversation,” and used social media, community members, and other resources to highlight pertinent topics such as advocacy, mental health, and access to care.