All posts by Nooshin Kosar

Tides of Togetherness: Family Weekend

Join us for our very first family retreat, Tides of Togetherness: A Bleeding Disorders Family Weekend, at the beautiful YMCA Camp Surf in Imperial Beach! This exciting weekend getaway is designed for families in the bleeding disorders community to connect, recharge, and learn—all while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, this retreat offers the perfect balance of fun and education. Families can look forward to classic camp programming provided by the YMCA, including archery, campfires, beach games, team-building activities, and surfing lessons—all adapted to be inclusive and safe for individuals with bleeding disorders.

In addition to the outdoor adventure, the retreat will feature interactive educational sessions for parents and kids. Topics may include:

  • Pathfinders – provided by GutMonkey
  • Mental wellness and coping strategies
  • Age-appropriate education for newly diagnosed families and caregivers
  • Infusion Training 

We can’t wait to welcome you to our first-ever Tides of Togetherness: A Bleeding Disorders Family Weekend!

WHY ATTEND?

Opportunities for peer connection, small group discussions, and guided support circles will help build lasting relationships and strengthen our shared community.

This retreat is a unique opportunity to blend meaningful education with memorable experiences—all in a supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing a bleeding disorder for years, there’s something here for everyone.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

Our programs and events are open to individuals with a bleeding disorder, carriers, immediate family members/caregivers living in HASDC’s service area (San Diego & Imperial Counties). Due to limited space, we are unable to accept event registrations for those without a bleeding disorder in their immediate family, as well as family of volunteers, exhibitors, and sponsors.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Families will stay together in cozy onsite cabins, just steps away from the beach, and take part in a variety of camp-style activities meant to be enjoyed together — think beach walks, games, crafts, and group challenges that bring families closer while building lasting memories.

This retreat is all about community. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with other families who understand the unique challenges and strengths of living with a bleeding disorder. Through shared meals, campfire chats, and educational sessions, there will be plenty of time to bond, share stories, and build supportive relationships that can last beyond the weekend.

Please note: This is a family-centered event and childcare will not be provided. Programming is designed for families to participate in together, and all children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

EVENT DETAILS

Friday, August 15 – Sunday, August 17, 2025
Venue: YMCA Camp Surf

LOCATION ADDRESS
YMCA Camp Surf
560 Silver Strand Blvd.
Imperial Beach, CA 91932

REGISTRATION | CHECK-IN
4:00PM – 6:00PM

PARKING
YMCA Camp Surf parking lot.

FAMILY WEEKEND COST

Each family is to pay a non-refundable $50.00 registration fee. Additional retreat costs are underwritten by grants and funds raised by HASDC.

LODGING

You will be staying in the camp’s traditional cabins which sleep up to 16 people. They are clustered around two bathroom and shower blocks. If you wish to share a cabin with a specific family, there is a spot in the registration where you can indicate so, otherwise assignments will be made at random.

MEALS

Meals are served buffet-style with a fruit and cereal bar at breakfast, and a salad bar at lunch and dinner. Five meals are included in your stay. (Friday dinner—Sun breakfast) The YMCA caters to vegetarians and, with prior notification, they can accommodate most food allergies and dietary needs. Please refer to the agenda for meal times.

ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE

Arrival
Saturday, August 15 at 4:00PM

Departure
Sunday, August 17 at 12:00PM

AGENDA

Activities are subject to change.

Friday, August 15, 2025

TIMEPROGRAM AGENDA
4:00PM – 6:00PMRegistration Open
Please check in at HASDC welcome table.
6:00PM – 7:00PMDinner
Dining Hall
7:00PM – 8:00PMFamily Movie Night
9:00PMQuiet Hours Begin/YMCA Office Closed

Saturday, August 16, 2025

TIMEPROGRAM AGENDA
8:00AMBreakfast
Dining Hall
8:45AMSafety & Activity Orientation
9:00AM – 12:00PMPathfinders presented by GutMonkey and Sanofi
12:30PMLunch
Dining Hall
2:00PM – 4:00PMOpen Activities
Infusion Training
Surfing (potential to be at an offsite location)
Body Boarding
Arts & Crafts
Archery
Skate Park
Climbing Tower
Free time activities: sand sculpting, basketball, GaGa, beach volleyball, and more!
4:00PM – 5:00PMExpect the Unexpected presented by Takeda
5:30PMDinner
Dining Hall
7:00PMCampfire/Skit Night
9:00PMQuiet Hours Begin

Sunday, August 17, 2025

TIMEPROGRAM AGENDA
8:00AMBreakfast
Dining Hall
9:00AM – 12:00PMOpen Activities
Surfing (potential to be at an offsite location)
Body Boarding
Arts & Crafts
Archery
Skate Park
Climbing Tower
Free time activities: sand sculpting, basketball, GaGa, beach volleyball, and more!
12:00PMActivities Close/Clean Up/Departure from Camp Surf

REGISTRATION

Registration for this program is now closed.

Please note: if you are not currently in our database, you will receive an email to complete our Member Database form before your registration can be confirmed. 

YMCA CAMP SURF WAIVER

Please make sure you have completed the required camp waiver prior to arrival.

PACKING LIST

You will receive a complete packing list and final details to the primary registrants email once your registration is received.

WAITLIST

If you are registering and live outside of HASDC’s service area (San Diego & Imperial Counties), you will be placed on a waitlist. If space is available, we will reach out to you via email to confirm registration for this event.

SMS SHARING DISCLOSURE

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes.

SPONSORS

Thank you to our supporters and sponsors for making this event possible.

Food for Thought

Join us for Food for Thought: an HASDC educational program. Our Educational Programs are open to all individuals with a bleeding disorder and their immediate family members living in HASDC’s service area. 

DATE | TIME (Fecha | Hora)

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 6:00PM – 8:00PM

LOCATION
Phil’s BBQ
3750 Sports Arena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110

Event space in back of parking lot

PARKING
Parking in lot outside restaurant.

PROGRAM LANGUAGE (Idioma del programa)

Presented in English | Presentado en inglés

TOPIC (Tema)

Understanding a Rebalancing Therapy Option for Hemophilia
In this session, we’ll dive into a rebalancing treatment option. From how it works to clinical trial learnings, you’ll gain the latest information to help you or your loved ones understand this treatment option with confidence.

SPEAKER (Presentador)

Patty Eastin
Patient Navigator, Pfizer Rare Disease

AGENDA (Agenda)

6:00 PM Arrive at Phil’s (please arrive on time)
6:15 PM Welcome & Program Begins
8:00 PM Program Concludes

REGISTRATION (Inscripción)

Please note: if you are not currently in our database, you will receive an email to complete our Member Database form before your registration can be confirmed. 

WAITLIST POLICY

If you are registering and live outside of HASDC’s service area, you will be placed on a waitlist. If space is available, we will reach out to you via email to confirm registration for this event.

SPONSOR (Patrocinador)

Thank you to our sponsor for partnering with us to make this educational program possible.

It’s a Grand Slam: Men’s Event & Padre Game

Join us for a morning of education, connection, and baseball! It’s a Grand Slam is a special event for *men ages 16 and up in the bleeding disorders community. The day will kick off with an engaging education session focused on men’s health, empowerment, and navigating life with a bleeding disorder. Afterward, we’ll head to Petco Park to cheer on the Padres and enjoy the excitement of game day together.

Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect with others, and experience a Padres game—all in one grand slam of a day!

*This event is open to those living in HASDC’s service area. All those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian who is over 18-years of age.

DATE

Sunday, September 28, 2025

REGISTRATION
Registration table opens at 9:00 AM

LOCATION
The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
910 Broadway Circle
San Diego, CA 92101

PARKING
Complimentary parking at hotel valet; (1) car per registered family (if you choose to move your car, cost is on your own).

AGENDA

Sunday, September 28, 2025

TIMEAGENDA
9:00 AM – 10:00 AMRegistration & Exhibitor Booths Open
10:00 AMWelcome
10:00 AM – 12:00 PMEducation Sessions
12:00 PMHead to Padres Game (walk to Petco Park)

Padre Tickets

Tickets will be provided upon arrival for the program at The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Must be on time and attend the entire educational program to receive game tickets.

Petco Park Bag Policy

REGISTRATION

This event is now FULL. You will now be directed to our waitlist.

Please note: if you are not currently in our database, you will receive an email to complete our Member Database form before your registration can be confirmed. 

WAITLIST POLICY

If you are registering and live outside of HASDC’s service area, you will be placed on a waitlist. If space is available, we will reach out to you via email to confirm registration for this event.

SPONSORS

Thank you to our sponsors who have made this program possible.

Women & Girls Retreat

REGISTER TODAY!

Join us for a day of conversations, connections and support. If you are a woman or teen affected by a bleeding disorder, please join us at this special event designed for you. All women and girls ages 14+ are encouraged to attend – diagnosed, caregivers, carriers, undiagnosed, living in HASDC’s service area.

You will have the opportunity to connect with friends old and new, meet with staff from Rady Children’s Hospital HTTC and UC San Diego Health HTTC, as well as network with industry representatives at the exhibitor booths.

DATE | TIME

Saturday, August 10, 2024 | 9:00AM – 3:00PM

VENUE

Courtyard Marriott Liberty Station
2592 Laning Road
San Diego, CA 92106

PARKING
Free parking is available in the hotel parking lot.

AGENDA

Saturday, August 10, 2024

TIMEAGENDA
9:00AM – 10:00AMRegistration & Exhibitor Booths Open
10:00AMWelcome Remarks
10:15AM – 12:15PMPlenary Session: Caregivers Compass
12:15PM – 1:00PMLunch
1:00PM – 2:00PMPlenary Sessions (continued)
2:00PM – 3:00PMMeditating with Flowers: A Mindful Experience
3:00PMClosing Remarks

REGISTRATION

Registration for this event is now closed.

Please note: if you are not currently in our database, you will receive an email to complete our Member Database form before your registration can be confirmed. 

WAITLIST POLICY

If you are registering and live outside of HASDC’s service area, you will be placed on a waitlist. If space is available, we will reach out to you via email to confirm registration for this event.

SPONSORS

Thank you to our sponsors who have made this program possible.

Familia de Sangre

ABOUT CONFERENCE

The four California bleeding disorders organizations invite you and your family to join us for the 8th Annual Familia de Sangre, a two-day conference on blood disorders with all programming presented in Spanish.

Educational sessions and networking opportunities covering healthcare, education, mental health and support services.


Las cuatro fundaciones de trastornos sanguíneos de California lo invitan cordialmente a usted y a su familia a la 8ta conferencia anual, Familia de Sangre, una conferencia de dos días sobre desórdenes sanguíneos con toda la programación presentada en español.

Sesiones educativas y oportunidades de networking que cubrirán asistencia médica, educación, salud mental y servicios de apoyo.

DATE

September 5-7, 2025 | 5-7 de septiembre de 2025

Anaheim Marriott
700 W Convention Way
Anaheim, CA 92802

CLICK HERE if you are interested in joining Familia de Sangre’s email list.

REGISTRATION

Registration for Familia de Sangre is now OPEN!

Join us at the largest all Spanish speaking bleeding disorders conference in the nation.

Familia de Sangre is the largest bleeding disorders conference completely in Spanish. The conference will take place September 5-7 at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA. 


Acompáñenos en la conferencia sobre trastornos hemorrágicos de habla hispana más grande del país.

Familia de Sangre es la conferencia más grande sobre trastornos sanguíneos completamente en español. La conferencia será del 5 al 7 de septiembre en el Anaheim Marriott en Anaheim, CA. 

HASDC’s SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

The Hemophilia Association of San Diego County will be providing limited local scholarships for this year’s Familia de Sangre Conference. Submitting a scholarship application through the Hemophilia Association of San Diego County DOES NOT guarantee acceptance. As scholarship funding is limited, applications will be reviewed by HASDC and acceptance will be dependent on the order the application is received and that ALL required fields are complete, accurate, and submitted. Priority will be given to FIRST TIME attendees. 

Eligibility
Must live in San Diego or Imperial Counties, have someone in your immediate family with a diagnosed bleeding disorder and currently be in HASDC’s database.

Application Deadline
Applications are now closed.

THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS

UCSD CBCD’s Education Day

REGISTER TODAY!

The Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders at UC San Diego Health (CBCD), the Hemophilia Association of San Diego County (HASDC), Rady Children’s Hospital HTTC, Center for Inherited Blood Disorders (CIBD), and the LA Orthopedic Hemophilia Treatment Center (LA Ortho) extend a cordial invitation to you and your family to participate in our Education Day.

Join us for an event that is dedicated to offering educational sessions focusing on overall patient wellness, their families, and caregivers. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch while meeting local treatment center providers, connecting with other patients and hearing their stories, and learning about blood clotting factors from pharmaceutical partners.

DATE | TIME

Saturday, October 11, 2025
9:00AM – 3:30PM

VENUE

Hilton Del Mar
15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar, CA 92014

PARKING
Self-parking is available on-site.

AGENDA

TIMEAGENDA
9:00AMRegistration Open; Light Breakfast Available
9:45AMWelcome Remarks
10:00AMMain Lectures
11:15AMPatient Panel Discussion
12:30PMLunch & Raffle Winners Announced
1:30PMBreakout Sessions
2:30PMClosing Remarks & Raffle Winners Announced
2:45PMExtended Fun Workshops Available
3:30PMEvent Concludes

CHILDCARE

Complimentary childcare will be provided for children ages 3-12 only. Young adults 13 and older are expected to participate in the educational program. Children under 3 are welcome to stay with their parents or please make alternate arrangements. Please inform HASDC in advance if your child has any special needs (behavioral, educational, dietary, etc.) and we will do our best to make accommodations.

REGISTRATION

Unite Walk

Welcome to the Hemophilia Association of San Diego County’s 12th Annual Unite for Bleeding Disorders Walk. We look forward to getting together at Liberty Station – NTC Park to raise vital funds for the San Diego bleeding disorders community. 

DATE | TIME

Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 9:00AM – 1:00PM

WALK DAY

Schedule of Events

  • 9:00AM: Registration will open, exhibit booths, refreshments
  • 10:00AM: Unite for Bleeding Disorders Ceremony will begin. 
  • 10:30AM: 5k Unite Walk will begin! 

Recognitions & Prizes

  • Top Fundraising Team
  • Top Fundraising Industry Team
  • Top Individual Fundraiser

Individual participants who raise or make a minimum donation of $25 will receive a Unite for Bleeding Disorders Walk T-Shirt (while supplies last) and a VIP wristband for lunch. 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Join us in person! Register and join us at Liberty Station Park on Saturday, October 25 and walk a 5k. 

Support HASDC! More than ever people living with bleeding disorders in San Diego and Imperial Counties are in need of our support. Make a team or join an existing team. Reach out to family or friends to support our mission and consider making a personal donation if you are able. 

DONATE TODAY

When making a donation via check, please make checks payable to Hemophilia Association of San Diego County. Make sure to include the name of the Team or Individual Walker you are supporting. 

Checks may be sent to:
Hemophilia Association of San Diego County
3550 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 105
San Diego, CA 92108

WALKER | TEAM REGISTRATION

SPONSORS

Thank you to the Unite Walk program National Sponsors for your continued support.

Factor & Frost

JOIN US (Únete a nosotros)

‘TIS THE SEASON TO WEAR YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY SWEATER!

Wear your favorite holiday sweater and join us for our annual end of the year gathering and celebration of the season. Factor & Frost is open to all individuals with a bleeding disorder and their immediate family members.

Contests
Best Holiday Sweater (adult)
Best Holiday Sweater (child)

Drawings
Exhibitor Booth Passport
Various Gift Baskets

DATE | TIME (Fecha | Hora)

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 11:00AM – 2:00PM
Location: TBD

Venue Address
Coming soon!

Parking: Complimentary per registered family.
Weather: This event will be held inside.

PROGRAM AGENDA

REGISTRATION (Inscripción)

Registration for this event will open in October.

Please note: if you are not currently in our database, you will receive an email to complete our Member Database Form before your registration can be confirmed/accepted. 

WAITLIST

If you are registering and live outside of HASDC’s service area, you will be placed on a waitlist. If space is available, we will reach out to you via email to confirm registration for this event.

SPONSORS (Patrocinadores)

Thank you to our sponsors for partnering with us to make this end of the year program possible.

Camp Dragonfly

HASDC’s Camp Dragonfly has been serving the teens of San Diego and Imperial Counties since 2014. Camp Dragonfly is an outdoor adventure summer camp, hosted by the Hemophilia Association of San Diego County in partnership with Rady Children’s Health Hemophilia & Thrombosis Treatment Center. Camp Dragonfly serves campers affected with hemophilia, von Willebrand’s disease, platelet disorders, and other rare chronic bleeding disorders from San Diego and Imperial Counties. 

WHO CAN ATTEND CAMP?

HASDC’s Camp Dragonfly is for our teen campers, ages 14-18, diagnosed with a bleeding disorder (given priority), carriers and their siblings. Campers must be 14-years old on the first day of camp in order to attend. Siblings must attend with their affected sibling in order to attend. Campers diagnosed with a bleeding disorder must independently manage all personal care and mobility, which includes being able to self-infuse OR administer factor product. Those living within San Diego & Imperial Counties will be given priority.

WHY ATTEND CAMP?

Camp Dragonfly provides teens with the tools they need to overcome the challenges presented to them by their disorder as well as connect with peers, gain leadership skills, test personal limits and the opportunity to commune with nature. By attending Camp Dragonfly, campers will experience camping and an outdoor program which challenges at both the individual and group levels.

Professional medical staff from Rady Children’s Health Hemophilia & Thrombosis Treatment Center are on site for duration of the camp program.

CAMP COST

Each camper is to pay a non-refundable $45.00 registration fee. Additional camp costs are underwritten by grants and funds raised by HASDC.

DATES | LOCATION

Monday, July 13 – Saturday, July 18, 2026
ETC River Camp – Lotus, CA

ABOUT & TRAVEL

Join us as we return to rafting on the South Fork of the American River. Come experience the beauty of the South Fork, and the excitement, challenge and connection to nature that comes with whitewater rafting. This is a memorable adventure, perfect for those who have spent time on the river before or novice paddlers.

We will be tent camping for five days and four nights at the ETC (Environmental Traveling Companions) River Camp’s riverfront property located in Lotus, CA. Along with rafting, participants will be sleeping under the stars (tent optional), cooking all meals in their full outdoor kitchen, enjoying group activities and nightly campfires. Please note: there will be accessible bathrooms but no showers.

July 13, 2026: Attendees will travel via plane from San Diego to Sacramento
July 18, 2026: Attendees will travel via plane from Sacramento to San Diego

REQUIRED FORMS

Please make sure you have all the required camper information, including health information and documents, provided below, ready to submit either in your application or via email to HASDC.

You will need to provide and/or upload the following documents:

  • HASDC Health Form: to be completed by your local Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC). Date of your child’s last comprehensive visit with the HTC but be within 12-months of the first day of camp (July 13) OR completed by primary care physician (if child does not have a bleeding disorder) showing physical examination within 12-months of the first day of camp (July 13). Please reach out to your HTC and request they complete our camper Health Form.
  • Medications: complete list of medications your child takes (includes but not limited to factor, other prescription meds, over the counter medications, inhalers, etc.)
  • Insurance Card: copy of your child’s insurance card, front and back. 
  • Immunization Records: a copy of your child’s immunization records, signed and validated by your primary care physician. The following immunizations/vaccinations are required: DTap (Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis), MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella), Measles, Varicella (chicken pox), Polio, Hepatitis A & B, and COVID-19 (highly recommended). 
  • ETC Health & Liability Release: please complete this form and upload when asked in the application.

CAMPER REGISTRATION

Registration for Camp Dragonfly is now closed.

If you have questions regarding Camp Dragonfly or your camper’s application, please contact our office.

THANK TO OUR SPONSORS

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for making camp possible this year.