Dear Friend,
The Mary M. Gooley Hemophilia Center is proud to be one of the oldest independent Hemophilia Treatment Centers in the United States. Since 1959, the Center has provided comprehensive, compassionate care for thousands of people with genetic bleeding disorders and iron overload — saving lives and improving quality of life. During this time, we have been honored to serve generations of families.
This is just one of many stories that we have to tell….
Over six deca
des ago, Mario was born in Italy, diagnosed as a small child with severe hemophilia. Before he was born, an older brother had tragically died as an infant from hemophilia-related complic
ations. Mario vividly remembers his doctor telling his parents to “move to America if you want to save his life.” Mario’s family relocated to Rochester, NY when he was just 11 years old and he has been a patient of the Center for over 50 years now. Throughout his life, Mario constantly faced bleeding challenges associated with his condition, including painful, damaged joints. Like many from his generation, Mario faced a major medical setback in the 1980s when he contracted Hepatitis C from a transfusion of infected blood product. Despite these setbacks, the Center has always been there to provide compassionate support and cutting-edge care. Mario was able to attend college and live a productive life. He is proud that he worked at Kodak for 37 years and never missed a day of work due to this complex, chronic illness. In 2014, the Center enrolled Mario in a study that allowed him free access to innovative new treatments, effectively curing him of Hepatitis C. “The Center is why I’m still alive,” he shares. “Without the Center, there would be no Mario!”
Almost two years ago, Mario’s beautiful grandson Jackson was born. Like his grandfather, Jackson was also diagnosed as a bab
y with severe hemophilia. Because hemophilia is a genetic condition, his parents tried to be emotionally prepared for the possibility that their firstborn son might have a serious bleeding disorder. The news of his diagnosis was devastating nonetheless, compounded by news of a serious head hematoma that required multiple infusions of clotting factor during Jackson’s first few days of life. During those scary, uncertain days, the Center’s medical team was there, providing support, counseling, and treatment. Throughout the months that followed, the Center continued to provide steadfast support to Jackson’s family, as well as medical education to his pediatrician and daycare providers. Being a busy, active toddler, Jackson has required ongoing treatments of clotting factor to treat bleeding complications. However, his parents have now been taught how to infuse him at home, leading to greater confidence and independence. They don’t feel as afraid now, knowing that the Center will always be there as Jackson grows up.
For over six decades, the Center has been here to help people with rare, genetic bleeding disorders live safe and healthy lives. Please help us continue to make a difference for people like Mario and Jackson by donating to our Annual Appeal campaign. Your generous gift will ensure that the Center will still be here for Jackson’s grandchildren and generations beyond. Please give today…because caring is in YOUR blood!
Please click HERE to donate today!
With sincere appreciation,
The Mary M. Gooley Hemophilia Center
