Hi there, I am a 45 year old mum from New Zealand (I am mild haemophilia A, as are both of my children – a son, 17 and daughter, 24).

I was diagnosed late in life, as I was adopted at birth and unfortunately medical history wasn’t shared with my new family.

In many ways, this may have been a bit of a blessing in disguise, as I didn’t really have the physical limitations that I’ve attempted with my children, so had some amazing accidents, challenges and experiences growing up on the rugged West Coast, of the South Island.

I was eventually diagnosed with being a symptomatic carrier of haemophilia (this has now been revised to being a mild haemophiliac) when I had a routine wisdom tooth removal, that made me bleed for 3 days afterwards, but even then we didn’t think too much of it.

Fast forward to being 21, pregnant with my daughter, (by now I had found my birth family and knew there was haemophilia in the family – my birth father, and both of his parents had bleeding disorders) but still didn’t know much about it, or how it was going to change my life, and my children’s.  The birth went relatively well, but a DNA test done on my baby later on, caused a bleed in her heel, and then later in life, her menstruation was unbearable for her, so she started her own journey with the difficulties of being haemophiliac as well…

7 years later, my son arrived – as did a clot almost the same size as him as a newborn the day after his birth.

Many many nosebleeds and bumps and bruises for him, and many bruises and bumps and challenges for us all – however, the positive side is that we now have pretty good plans in place, should we have surgery or require treatment, and are able to treat on demand at home.

Last year called for a hysterectomy for me, and it was the best thing I have ever done for my body – I wish I had done it earlier! A drastic, but necessary step and I couldn’t be more pleased I did it.

I’ve discovered the most incredible support and fellow bleeders on Facebook, and feel part of the community and family we have made together.

This is my second year attending this summit, and I am very grateful to be able to be part of it – thank you all!