On Saturday, September 22nd over 400 people
showed up to Fort Harrison State Park to show why they walk. Hemophilia of
Indiana and the National Hemophilia Foundation presented the 4th
Annual Hemophilia Walk, and are excited to announce it was a huge success.
People from all over the state, whether they have a bleeding disorder or just a
friend or family member of someone who does, showed up to support their
community and help raise money. For many people in Indiana, the Walk is one of
their absolute favorite events each year. Not only is it a chance to walk for a
great cause, but also it is an opportunity to celebrate all the hard work and
money raised up until that point.
One of the activities at the Walk we take great pride in is
our “Breakfast with Jeanne.” The Walkers are invited to come to the park early
to sit and have a wonderful breakfast with Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of Ryan
White. Jeanne sat and talked with all those in attendance. Jeanne also helped
start off the Walk with one of her many inspirational speeches! We cannot thank
Jeanne enough for coming out and spending time with our community
We also make sure to keep the children entertained! We had
several childen’s favorites, including Elmo and Spiderman, walking around
taking pictures. A special thanks to Clowns Etc. for bringing additional
entertainment, such as balloon animals, face painters, a magician, and clowns.
We also had renowned magician Jay McLaughlin providing incredible illusions and
tricks.
With 40 teams and over 400 walkers, it is needless to say we
raised a considerable amount of money. We raised almost $75,000, and are very
happy with the result of Saturday. Walkers had the choice to either walk one
mile or two and a half miles, and upon their return received a medal for their
participation.
We want to thank everyone who came out to make this possible,
without the hundreds of walker the event would not have been a huge of a
success as it was. We also want to thank all of our sponsors, especially our National
Sponsor Baxter and our Local Presenting Sponsor the IHTC and General Hotels. We
of course cannot forget to thank the staff at Fort Benjamin Harrison for
allowing us to use their wonderful park and facilities.
We look forward to 2013 when we continue to walk for this
cause and to help raise money for the bleeding disorder community!
