HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — An annual walk is creating a support system for those who suffer from hemophilia and other blood disorders.
The walk helps those like 2-year-old Nicco, who suffers from a severe form of hemophilia. "Nicco has severe Hemophilia A, so he’s got less than 1 percent clotting factor," said Nicco’s grandmother, Debbie Adamkin.
This causes problems for Nicco who is just as active as any other 2-year-old. "Nicco is extremely wild and he walks into walls," Adamkin said. "He likes to jump, and he climbs anywhere he can."
Hemophilia prevents a person’s blood from clotting properly. If someone’s body can’t make clots, then it can’t stop bleeding. There is no cure, but there is a treatment. "He bruises, when you walked in, he’s got bruises all over his body," Adamkin said. "He get’s factor three times a week, and what that is is a therapy that helps clot his blood."
Adamkin knows about the disease since she had a son — Nicco’s uncle — who was born with it. Since her son’s birth Adamkin has been involved with the Florida Hemophilia Association, serving as the executive director for the past 13 years.
Adamkin’s mission is to make sure those living with hemophilia have a support system, over come their fears, and ensure that those afflicted live a normal and healthy life. "Networking with other families, hearing about their experiences and having someone to talk to has been probably the savior for me," Adamkin said.
The Florida Hemophilia Association will be having its sixth annual walk Sunday at Jungle Island.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Hemophilia Walk Miami
https://securewalk.hemophilia.org/registrant/LoginRegister.aspx?eventid=189458&langpref=en-CA&Referrer=http%3a%2f%2ffloridahemophilia.org%2f