Raebecca Gerard

This Spotlight appeared in our October 2026 newsletter.

Where do you live? What do you like/dislike about it?

I live in Royal Center, IN. I like the small town feel, but I feel so far away from everything. My little town is surrounded by cornfields, so it’s quiet and peaceful.

Is there somewhere else you’d want to move to some day?

I’ve considered moving around Valparaiso, IN, where I currently attend school, someday because I can still get a little bit of the small town feel while having access to so much more than I currently do. Going to school there, I have found so many things to love about the area… local coffee shops, small businesses, the local bookstore.

What do you do for work?

I’m currently a full-time college student. I am applying for the Physician Assistant program in October with the hope of becoming a women’s health PA, with a special interest in women with bleeding disorders. I have previously worked as a surgical technologist in labor and delivery, which I loved before going back to school.

What are some things you like to do for fun?

I love to read, bake/cook, travel and go to concerts! I will be going to my 19th and 20th concerts in October! I also recently got back into cross stitching. I also love spending time with my family.

Any favorite foods? Pets?

I can’t name a favorite food because I love a little bit of everything! I love exploring other cultures through their foods.  I have one dog, Willow. She is a beagle/husky/Aussie mix and she is my little baby. We love going for walks around town.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

I love Halloween because I love all things fall. Every year, I dress up with my little sister for the town’s Halloween parade. I equally love Christmas because of all the family traditions we have and the time spent with family members. I love baking cookies and Christmas Eve with my younger siblings while watching Christmas movies and drinking homemade hot chocolate.

What has been your favorite travel adventure?

Last year, I was fortunate to take two amazing trips! I went on a road trip to New Orleans and I got to experience so many museums and history and amazing food. I also went on a trip to Denver, CO with my younger brother and we had so much fun exploring the city, eating, and we went to an Illusion Museum.

How many VWD Connect Conferences have you attended? What is your favorite conference memory?

I have attended five conferences. I have so many memories, but my favorite thing is just making connections with everyone. I’ve especially loved being brought out of my comfort zone by my conference friends and doing karaoke.

What has been your biggest challenge living with severe VWD?

I think my biggest challenge living with severe VWD is just trying to get those around me to understand the severity and unpredictability of my disorder, as well as trying to be taken seriously by providers. I’ve had to advocate extensively for interventions in the past.

Any advice for other Members facing challenges?

My advice is to be incredibly vocal. Tell your story, spread awareness, advocate, and find your people at the conference. Having people that can relate on such a deep level has helped me tremendously when I’m struggling.

Looking ahead, any thoughts about what the Foundation or the world of severe VWD may look like in the future?

In the future, I hope there will be more treatment options that are longer lasting and easier to administer. I look forward to watching the Foundation continue to grow and bring in new families to make even more connections!

Any last thing you would like to share?

I have a younger brother who also has severe type 3. I married my high school sweetheart and we’ve been married for almost seven years now. I am the oldest of four children. I have two younger brothers and a younger sister. •