SPOTLIGHTS
Click on the photos below to read more about these VWD Connect Foundation Members, Staff and Faculty.
RAEBECCA GERARD
This Foundation member is a five-time conference veteran
NATALIE THOMPSON
Nurse Natalie has been on Foundation faculty and staff since the start.
TUNG WYNN
Foundation faculty member Dr. Wynn is a pediatric hematologist
JODI BOWE
Jodi and her husband Mark have attended every Conference since the first in 2017
JESS LOREN
This Foundation staff member is also a lifelong equestrian
TRINA GREER AND ORAIA
Mom Trina details her family’s journey when daughter Oraia is diagnosed
MADELINE CANTINI,
BSN, RN
A true Texas treasure who has been with the Foundation since the beginning
RICK LINDFORS-ACKERMAN
A search-and-rescue worker who gives back to his community
ALICE A.
This charter member has been involved in numerous Foundation initiatives
VICKI & DAVID
JACOBS-PRATT
Conference vets and PEW Patient Panel members have words of wisdom
JESSICA RISEMAN
A first-time conference attendee examines her experience
THE KHALIL SISTERS
Sisters and best friends explain their powerful bond
2025 CONFERENCE ENTERTAINERS
Our attendees showed a remarkable range of talents
FACES OF THE 2025 CONFERENCE
Meet Conference VIPs Scarlett, Jan and Janna
HOPE JASON
The Foundation’s graphic designer is also a new staff member
THE BALOGUN FAMILY
New members as of 2024, this Nigerian family enjoys honoring their traditions by celebrating moments and creating memories
THE WALLIS FAMILY
Members since the Foundation’s inception, mom Dee will be on the 2025 Patient Conference Welcoming Committee
DR. BRITTANY WATERS
Foundation Faculty member and
dentist extraordinaire
SHERRY HERMAN-HILKER
Foundation Faculty member and physical therapist specializing in patients with bleeding disorders
KAYLA GREGORY
Foundation Member with great advice for athletic young people and their families
THE SCHWARTZ-NEWTON FAMILY
Foundation Members and Chicago architecture enthusiasts
JESSICA WOLFE
Foundation Member and conference attendee since the very first one!
THE PEREZ FAMILY
Foundation Members and in-person conference newbies
THE ROCHE FAMILY
Foundation Members and coordinators of the first annual VWD Connect Golf Tournament
SAMANTHA
SISKIND
Foundation Staff member and medical student
THE DONAHUE FAMILY
Foundation Members and authors of the book “Fun Facts about a von Willebrand Warrior”
STEFANIE DUGAN
Certified Genetic Counselor and member of our Medical and Scientific Advisory Board
THE THOMPSON FAMILY
Foundation Members and world travelers
BRANDEE COOKSTON
Foundation Member and animal lover
THE BOATRIGHT FAMILY
Foundation Members… and Conference Trivia champs!
KAYLA MACK
Foundation Member and inspiration
JAN GOLEC
VWD Connect Foundation’s Board of Directors’ Patient Representative
SABRINA FARINA
Social Worker, and Foundation Faculty member since 2017
JENNA HOFFMAN
Foundation Member and motorcycle enthusiast
ED KUEBLER
VWD Connect Foundation co-Founder and calming presence
CODY KESTER
Foundation Member and VWD activist
NANCY FOTI
Foundation Youth Staff member
KARI GREGORY
Past Foundation Patient Advocate, with daughter Kayla, both Foundation Members