The EHC’s #ThisWay Campaign aims to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing through a range of initiatives, such as sharing patient stories, facilitating physical activity challenges, and hosting walking tours at EHC conferences, among others.
Patient stories
The EHC consistently conducts interviews and gathers patient narratives to enhance understanding of the experience of individuals living with a rare bleeding disorder, as well as to provide insights into the caregiver perspective on the impact of such disorders on quality of life. Many of these patient accounts serve to inspire fellow patients to overcome challenges related to both physical and mental well-being.
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- Ross’s story (United Kingdom, a patient with severe haemophilia B)
- Scott’s story (United Kingdom, a patient with severe haemophilia A)
- William’s story (United Kingdom, a patient with severe haemophilia A)
- Annabel’s story (Estonia, a patient with von Willebrand Disease)
- Adam’s story (Poland, a patient with severe haemophilia B)
- Camilla’s story (Switzerland/Sweden, a caregiver of a patient with severe haemophilia B with inhibitors)
Physical activity challenges
The EHC frequently coordinates physical activity challenges within the community to foster motivation and incentivise participation, infusing elements of enjoyment and cultivating camaraderie. These endeavours are undertaken to enhance physical and mental well-being, strengthen community bonds, and increase awareness and advocacy.
Next up: the #ThisWay autumn challenge. Follow this link for more information or visit the EHC Events page.
Physical activities at EHC events
Physical activities, particularly the #ThisWay walks, are an integral part of most EHC events, designed to promote physical and mental health and well-being. These walks, which may be guided or non-guided, provide attendees with an opportunity to blend their conference experience with sightseeing. Participants can step out of the meeting room, breathe in some fresh air, explore the host city, and network with fellow attendees. These walks are consistently popular elements of the programme. To learn more about upcoming events and activities, please visit the EHC Events page.
Physical activity grants
With the Physical Activity Grant (PAG), the EHC wants to support National Member Organisations (NMOs) in organising physio and physical activities. Read more on the Grants page (scroll down to find PAGs under Activity Grants!)
If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please contact Zita Gacser, EHC Behavioural Change Lead.
Jim is aged 66 and has Haemophilia A with a high titer inhibitor which he developed at age 14.
Maria Elisa Mancuso (MD, PhD) is a Haematologist and works as a Senior Haematology Consultant at the Center for Thrombosis and Haemorrhagic Diseases of IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital in Rozzano, Milan, Italy. She is Adjunct Clinical Professor at Humanitas University. She obtained a post-degree in Clinical and Experimental Haematology and a PhD in Clinical Methodology. She is involved in clinical research and has published several original articles in peer-reviewed journals a The Lancet, Blood, Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Haematologica, Thrombosis and Haemostasis, British Journal of Haematology and Haemophilia. She is reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals and member of the Editorial Board of JTH. She is a member of several scientific societies (ISTH, WFH, ASH, EAHAD, SISET, AICE) and was a medical member of the Inhibitor Working Group of the European Hemophilia Consortium. She is co-chair of the ADVANCE Study Group. She has acted also as co-chair of the Scientific and Standardization Subcommittee of ISTH on FVIII, FIX and rare bleeding disorders. She has been involved as principal and co-investigator in several clinical trials, and she takes care of both children and adults with hemophilia and other congenital bleeding disorders with a specific scientific interest in novel therapies, prophylaxis, inhibitors, and chronic hepatitis C.
As a patient with factor II deficiency, the diagnostic and treatment of rare bleeding disorders is a matter dear to my heart. My motivation to participate in the work of the ERIN committee is to improve both diagnostic and treatment for patients with rare bleeding disorders across Europe.
Economist and financial expert by profession, executive coach and trainer by passion and haemophilia advocate by every drop of my blood through my son (who has severe haemophilia A with inhibitors). Bringing a good decade of practical experience from the corporate insurance world, laser focus, growth mindset and resilience from my own experience, offering you anything I can just do, in hope that together we can make life more fulfilled for those impacted by bleeding disorders.
Amy Owen-Wyard is a Registered Mental Health Nurse. With experience working with children, young people, their families and adults with severe and enduring mental health conditions. Amy was also involved in a service improvement to provide a holistic care approach for those in general hospitals to support both their mental and physical health, whilst sharing her expertise and knowledge in mental health with the wider multidisciplinary team.
