The National Hemophilia Foundation Launches Victory for Women Initiative
Music Video Kicked Off Initiative to Raise Awareness of Blood Disorders in Women
New York (PRWEB) November 16, 2010
The National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) launched its new initiative, Victory for Women, at their 62nd Annual Meeting in New Orleans, November 11 through 13. Since most women affected by the most common hereditary bleeding disorder, von Willebrand disease (VWD), don’t even know they have it, the campaign is designed to generate awareness outside of the bleeding community and empower women to seek accurate diagnosis and healthcare.
At the center of the campaign is the music video, “Victory for Women,” featuring emerging contemporary musical artist, Jessica Rae, who also composed the music. The song uses a catchy tune and an emotional appeal to build awareness of and goodwill toward NHF. Tom Jordan, an award winning creative director at Hoffman York with a portfolio of original music, wrote the upbeat and optimistic lyrics to unite and evoke emotion among women with blood disorders. Kevin Kalausakas was brought on to add the visual element as the music video producer. The goal of the video is for people to “spread the word” about blood disorders through the various new communications and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and spark concern in women to protect their bodies and to form a community in which women with these blood disorders can turn to for support.
Also featured in the video is a maroon, silk scarf that was created for the Victory for Women initiative to serve as a symbol of unity and support for women with blood disorders. To view the video visit, http://on. fb. me/boW63k.
“We believe in the power of music to stir emotion and help people open their hearts to this incredible cause,” said Jordan. “We used the scarf in the video to show women they’re not alone.”
At the annual meeting, NHF also recognized three fashion, film and television luminaries for their efforts in helping put hemophilia and other bleeding disorders in the spotlight. Patrick McMullan, the famed New York City nightlife photographer and Vanity Fair contributing editor, was honored for donating his photography skills to create a “Faces of Women with Bleeding Disorders” calendar for the Victory for Women campaign featuring women with bleeding disorders wearing the maroon, silk scarf. McMullan’s efforts are fueled by his passion to keep his sister’s memory alive. Doreen McMullan McCarthy, who died in 1979 from complications of von Willebrand disease, is featured in “Iron Butterfly,” the cover story for the Fall 2010 issue of HemAware, NHF’s award-winning magazine and can be viewed at http://www. hemaware. org.
Creator and producer of USA Network TV show “Royal Pains” Andrew Lenchewski and his father, Dr. Enrique Lenchewski were recognized for creating the popular character Tucker Bryant, a teenager with hemophilia and Emmy Award-winning film producer, Marilyn Ness, was recognized for her documentary “Bad Blood: A Cautionary Tale.”
As the largest bleeding disorders conference in the country, NHF’s Annual Meeting was attended by more than 2,000 guests, including consumers, healthcare providers, researchers, industry representatives, and NHF chapter/association staff from across the country, and other global nonprofit organizations. Making the conference a great opportunity to kick off the Victory for Women initiative and start raising awareness about blood disorders affecting women.
NHF hopes to raise awareness of the Victory for Women initiative outside the bleeding disorders community through social media channels with Americans sharing this message with friends and family. To be a part of Victory for Women follow the cause on Facebook and Twitter. To view the “Victory for Women” music video check out the NHF YouTube channel or visit http://on. fb. me/boW63k.
For more information about the Victory for Women initiative or to make a donation, visit http://www. victoryforwomen. org. Donations of $15 receive the “Faces of Women with Bleeding Disorders” calendar; donations of $20 receive the red, silk scarf featured in the video and in the calendar.
About the National Hemophilia Foundation
The National Hemophilia Foundation is dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for bleeding and clotting disorders and to preventing the complications of these disorders through education, advocacy and research. Established in 1948, the National Hemophilia Foundation has 46 chapters throughout the country. Its programs and initiatives are made possible through the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations as well as through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more information about the National Hemophilia Foundation and bleeding disorders visit http://www. hemophilia. org.
About von Willebrand disease
Von Willebrand disease is a genetic bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly. This disorder can be far more serious in women, and is often undetected. While von Willebrand disease is the most common bleeding disorder, girls and women may suffer from other more rare bleeding disorders including platelet abnormalities. Women who are carriers for hemophilia may also experience symptoms consistent with mild hemophilia. For more information, visit http://www. victoryforwomen. org.
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