Peggy, a longtime community member shares her family's history of involvement and advocacy. To learn more about Peggy's involvement in the bleeding disorders community watch the full interview or read the transcript below.
Can you share about your family's history with hemophilia?
My, older sister had a lot of trouble, with bleeding and with, her joints, her ankles, worked on and stuff. She had a real problem.
When did you find out that hemophilia was in your family?
My family didn't even know it was hemophilia. And until 1938 when my brother was born, my mother was seeing the same problems her older brother had. And then a friend of the family wrote to Doctor Cutter, and he told them that it was hemophilia, so that that's when they knew it was hemophilia.
And then, my brother would get whole blood. My father would donate. And sometimes just lay across the table from each other and, give one blood to the other.
How long have you and your family been involved with NHF?
Since 1951, as a little girl I'd go door to door with mom saying that there was a blood drive and I got to hand out the little piece of paper and times and everything. And then, when I moved to California, that's what started with Northern California and it was 24 7 because I worked the foundation as an executive director in 84, I think it was.
They have gone and done amazing things over the years, and I've done, several of the things with them.
Why has it been important for your family's legacy to be involved with NHF?
It was a community of friends that my mother and father started in the fifties. And you know, we knew, all the, hemophiliacs on Long Island and since they had to ask for blood on a regular basis, my mother would send out 250, Christmas cards every year. And everybody that ever-donated blood to my, brothers for years, my mother would send them cards.
Which would remind them to come back and donate again.
What volunteer work with the organization/your local chapter are you most proud of?
I used to do all the national awards for the annual meetings because I also did an engraving business at home. I did all the awards for the foundation and then, they were presenting award and you know, mentioned Northern California. And, I'm thinking, I didn't do anything for anybody in Northern California and it was my award for leadership that I got.
