Natalie Thompson, RN
This Spotlight appeared in our September 2026 newsletter.
Before we begin, a personal note from Jeanette:
This month’s focus on parenting makes me think about what helped me the most raising three children with VWD. It took all of a second to think of Natalie Thompson, “Nurse Natalie” as we all lovingly call her. Over 20 years ago she came into my family’s life – truly our greatest blessing in this walk with VWD. Natalie taught all of us how to self-infuse, how to identify bleeds and discern when to treat. We are so lucky to have her as Foundation Faculty since the beginning of the Foundation. She has spent time with many of our families at conferences and always the feedback is how wonderful she is, how helpful and impactful to the Members. So, this month we Spotlight Nurse Natalie – part of the VWD Connect Family!
Where do you live? What do you like/dislike about it?
I live in West Palm Beach, Florida. When I came to the U.S. 39 years ago, I was in Miami, then moved up to Pembroke Pines and 22 years ago we moved to Palm Beach county, my favorite. I love Florida, it’s the closest thing to Jamaica where I was born and brought up- food, climate and diverse cultures and music.
What do you or your family like to do for fun together?
Fun things on the weekend have evolved into relaxing after cooking, cleaning, washing and ironing! As our son grew up, we were avid movie goers and travel soccer kept us busy.
Do you have any hobbies or pets?
My favorite hobby is reading! I love a good mystery where I don’t see the twists and turns. My favorite author is Jody Picoult – every book is different and the story stays with you a while! Yoda is our only pet, currently. He is an 18-year-old ragdoll who is spoilt rotten! I am ‘the crazy old cat lady’ if you ask our son, and we did a lot of fostering kittens when he was in high school, for his community service. It was my dream job!
What about favorite foods?
Food! My only food allergy is bad food! I love cuisine from different cultures and would make a lousy vegan! We cook Jamaican food at home – lots of spices and a little pepper kick!
What is your favorite holiday and why?
My favorite holiday is Halloween. I never had it growing up in British culture. I collect different varieties of pumpkins and every year make a ‘pumpkin patch’ by my front door. Our son, Kevin, always wanted the latest ninja or transformer costume of the year, and we had lots of fun with ‘trick or treat’ in our neighborhood each year.
What has been your favorite travel adventure?
Cruising is our favorite vacation. We love to discover different places while in a floating hotel, where you can be as active as you want or lazy like me, with a good book on a balcony! I would love to go to Australia; I have not had the chance as yet -it seems so far away.
You have been on Faculty at our patient conferences since the beginning. What stands out to you about your experience at the conferences?
I love helping at conferences. I am amazed by the sense of community among everyone and titbits/ advice from one family to another is a wonderful thing! They say it takes a village…
You also participate in the Provider Education Workshop – any thoughts about that event?
The Provider Education Workshop is a great way to educate other professionals about severe VWD. It is still the “underdog” of bleeding disorders and the more we share the word, the better treatment our patients will get! As a nurse of 42 years, I would like to see clinical education focus on VWD more, as a significant bleeding disorder.
Any advice for parents raising kids with sVWD?
As a parent myself, I can only advise families to connect with others going through the same diagnosis. For advice, be your child’s fiercest advocate so you can find the right treatment, and never give up! •