What a wonderful camp – and a record turnout as well! For those that missed it, the HFACT
community coastal camp at Ulladulla on 14-16 November was a hit. Around 45 people attended,
including people with a bleeding disorder, family and friends of people with a bleeding disorder,
and a representative from Haemophilia Foundation Australia, Suzanne O’Callaghan. Also in
attendance were the Canberra Hospital’s Haemophilia Treatment Centre nurse, Rosamma
Varghese, as well as Dr Nalini Pati, a haemotologist at the hospital.
While the weather wasn’t entirely what we might have hoped for – a little cooler and at various
points, much wetter than ideal – this didn’t hamper the community getting down to the beach
and/or enjoying the water slides and other activities at the venue.
It was both a relaxing weekend and an educational one, with Dr Pati presenting on emerging
treatments/therapies, Suzanne talking about the role of HFA and some key issues confronting the
bleeding disorders community, and Shauna Adams, along with Rosamma, leading an injection
demonstration. Notwithstanding these excellent sessions, bringing people from the bleeding
disorders community together provided a wonderful opportunity to share stories and learnings, as
well as enjoy each other’s company over the course of a weekend.
It was wonderful to see so many kids participating. The holiday park provided for so many activities
for the kids, supplemented by planned activities (thanks to Katherine and Hope Wills) and a movie
night. My own kids were exhausted by the time we got back to Canberra. All in all, it was a blast and
I’m sure HFACT will do it all again in the next couple of years!
Claude Damiani
Secretary
We’d also like to extend our thanks to the businesses who generously sponsored the gift-bags for the children.
- The Walking Clinic Podiatrist
- Hellenic Club
- Southern Cross Club
- Grill’d
