Bleeding Disorder News # 116: A vWD Special! Phase 3 anti-bleeding antibody VGA039 from Star Therapeutics

CHES Community Newsletter!🩸💜👑

We value the strength, resiliency, connections, and fun you bring to CHES events. We look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming experiences! See 2026 dates below for more info!
It's only January and I've already bailed on one of my New Year's Intentions. I set a goal to walk one mile every day. And silly me, I wasn't realistic in my consideration that I live in Northern New England where the weather is often dark, chilly, and icy for much of the winter. My self-talk around this was bleak. Not meeting the goal this soon into the year is a disappointment.
Then I heard the voice of someone I know say the best way to combat negative self talk is to talk to yourself in your Roller Derby Name. (She heard this suggestion on a podcast I have never listened to but I like this idea.) When you talk to yourself in your Roller Derby name, you tend to be more forgiving and kind and gentle. These are all admirable qualities that deserve a spot on my New Year's Intentions list. Which is how my negative self talk about missing an intention turned into a new intention. 
Be kind,
Heather
SAVE THE DATES! - CHES 2026 IN PERSON EVENTS!

CHES is the only national non-profit in the bleeding disorder space whose mission continuously offers meaningful, instructive, and consistent education for women and the ultra-rare and inhibitor communities. We are thrilled to announce our 2026 dates!  
Applications open 8-10 weeks prior to the event. Please stay tuned to CHES social media (Facebook and Instagram) and our LinkedIn profile to watch for open dates. Applications will also linked to this regular Digital Digest as they open.

One Drop: Tampa, FL- February 27-March 1, 2026 (postponed from November 2025)

LadyBugs National Women's Conference: Colonial Williamsburg, VA- April 24-26, 2026 in partnership with the Virginia Bleeding Disorders Foundation (formerly Virginia Hemophilia Foundation)

After the Shock Inhibitor Family Camp: Camp Zeke, June 19-22, 2026

InhibitCon: New Orleans, LA, September 10-13, 2026 *First day is Leverage in partnership with GutMonkey

OneDrop 2026: Tampa, FL, November 6-8, 2026


 
This edition of the Digital Digest is all about von Willebrands. Our three pillars remain- the inhibitor community, ultra-rares, and women- AND we also believe that all bleeding disorders deserve awareness and recognition. As we know from our annual LadyBugs retreat, there are many, many cases of undiagnosed vWD and the bleeding symptoms do not always correlate to the severity (as is true in many non-vWD folks too.) As an educational, patient facing organization, we will always seek to educate, advocate, and support the entire CHES community.

This article recognizes Erik von Willebrand's important contributions to the community
https://haematologica.org/article/view/13059

vWD classifications
https://haematologica.org/article/view/haematol.2024.286058

vWD and Aging
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhae/article/PIIS2352-3026(25)00262-5/abstract

vWD Pipeline updates
https://www.barchart.com/story/news/35504516/von-willebrands-disease-pipeline-2025-pioneering-clinical-developments-by-4-global-leaders-delveinsight-highlighting-vega-therapeutics-hemab

Expanded label for vonvendi 
https://www.docwirenews.com/post/fda-expands-vonvendi-approval-to-adult-prophylaxis-and-pediatric-use-in-vwd

Promising updates at ASH regarding Star Therapeutics clinical trial
https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/ash-star-antibody-sparkles-preview-potential-phase-3-bleeding-disease-success

CHES News
As always, CHES is grateful to our funders and community for the support! Please continue to spread the word about CHES. We welcome new individuals and families and remain true to our 3 pillars:
 
Inhibitor Community - Ultra-Rares  - Women  

Camp Camp Camp
I've said it before and I'll say it again- camp is a transformational experience! Whether your family/child attends CHES's Inhibitor Camp (it's awesome, check it out!) or a camp local to you, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to build self-confidence and competence in managing the bleeding disorder. Many of my closest friends I met while directing NEHA's Family Camp. I truly cannot say enough about the benefits of camp. 
The National Bleeding Disorder Foundation and BioMatrix Infusion Pharmacy both have a searchable directory of camps. BioMatrix's site includes CHES's Family Inhibitor Camp, After the Shock.
 https://www.biomatrixsprx.com/bleeding-disorders/camp-directory

https://www.bleeding.org/community-resources/resources-near-you/bleeding-disorders-camps




 

Hermanas de Sangre Campaign — CHES Foundation | Rare Bleeding Disorders
Check out our Library of resources for women with bleeding disorders!
 
Supported by an educational grant from
Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc

Did you know CHES is now a 501(c)3?

Since 2015, nSpiration Foundation has collaborated with CHES to further its mission to serve those with bleeding disorders and other chronic conditions. Effective 01/01/2023 nSpiration and CHES have merged to remain a non-profit committed to serving the needs of the community.

Want to aid CHES Foundation in future endeavors?

Support CHES Foundation to maintain its critical programs by donating. With your help, we can:  

  • Sustain and grow our unique events
  • Continue educational programs and informative communications
  • Tailor resources specifically for the bleeding disorders community

Consider making a monthly re-occuring contribution, even $5 would make a huge difference! 

Click the button below and give today.

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