The National Hemophilia Foundation Launches the 2017 Red Tie Challenge™ During Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month    

  • The Red Tie Challenge aims to advance the fight against inheritable bleeding disorders by raising funds for NHF’s research, education and advocacy initiatives.

New York, March 1, 2017 – More than three million Americans have a bleeding disorder—such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease or rare factor deficiencies—that: prevents their blood from clotting normally; can result in extended bleeding after injury, surgery or trauma; and can be fatal if not treated effectively. On March 1st, the first day of Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) and its 54 chapters will launch the 2017 Red Tie Challenge, which challenges Americans to get creative in wearing a red tie and make a donation to NHF or one of its chapters to support the fight against bleeding disorders. NHF introduced the “red tie” as the official symbol of the bleeding disorders community in 2016.

“For nearly 70 years, NHF has been the leading advocate for the bleeding disorders community and the largest nongovernment funder of research awards, fellowships and grants that have advanced the standard of care and the quality of life for our community,” said Val Bias, NHF CEO. “To ensure our research, education and advocacy initiatives continue to have maximum impact, we are focusing the 2017 Red Tie Challenge on fundraising for NHF. And this year, challenge-takers will have the option of donating to NHF or our local chapters across the U.S.”

According to Bias, taking NHF’s Red Tie Challenge is as easy as 1-2-3:
1.    Make a donation at RedTieChallenge.org.
2.    Get a red tie, then record and share your best red tie style with #RedTieChallenge.
3.    Challenge your friends to join you in the fight against bleeding disorders.

Red Tie Challenge microsite and PSA debut
An enhanced microsite—RedTieChallenge.org—serves as the Red Tie Challenge movement’s official home on the web. Among other features, it includes a video profile of a community member sharing her bleeding disorders journey and demonstrating how to take the challenge. This video will be offered as a public service announcement (PSA) to broadcast and online media platforms. The microsite also features a donation portal, a #RedTieChallenge tracker, an infographic, and downloadable materials that students, schools and chapters can use to bring the Red Tie Challenge into the classroom and raise funds for NHF’s initiatives.

Acknowledging the sponsors of the Red Tie Challenge
Bayer HealthCare, CSL Behring, Genentech, Grifols, The Hemophilia Alliance Foundation, Novo Nordisk, Octapharma, Pfizer, and Shire.

About NHF
NHF (the National Hemophilia Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for inheritable bleeding disorders and to preventing the complications of these disorders through education, advocacy and research. Established in 1948, NHF has 54 chapters throughout the United States. Our programs and initiatives are made possible through the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations, as well as through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additional information on NHF and bleeding disorders can be found at www.hemophilia.org. To locate an NHF chapter near you, visit the NHF Chapter Directory.

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Contact:
Beth Marshall, Tel. 646.530.3598; 212.328.3746
Email: [email protected]

Dennis da Costa, Tel. 914.645.7553
Email: [email protected]