Hi,
I've been reflecting a lot about equity and advocacy these days. Partially because it is my job at CHES - and as a responsible human - to try to do my part in the world and encourage others to do the same. And partially because things have felt edgier, harder, more chaotic in the world as of late.

One of my closest hemohana friends, Anneliese, passed away a few years ago after a long illness. Anneliese used to always say, "It costs nothing to be kind." I've been repeating this mantra for years now. Admittedly I am much better some days than others but each day I try to use the mantra as a guidepost. So that's my pitch for this edition- Be kind. To your hematology team. To your hemohana. To your neighbors. To your own self.

While we are on the topic of kindness, it is a logical - at least in my mind - to talk about generosity of spirit. If you are able, please consider a donation to bolster CHES efforts in 2026. ALL CHES events are of NO COST to individuals and families. Any amount helps us to offset expenses and keep us true to our value of not allowing finances be a barrier to participation in CHES events.

With kindness,
Heather E. Case, M.Ed.
Director of Advocacy and Outreach

InhibitCon West
CHES is the only national non-profit in the bleeding disorder space whose mission continuously offers meaningful, instructive and engaging education for the inhibitor community.

We are excited for our InhibitCon West next week in Portland, Oregon! You can bet we'll provide a summary of Leverage and InhibitCon in our next edition! If you are joining us, know we are SO EXCITED to see y'all!

Mental Health
The Bleeding Disorders Substance Use and Mental Health Access Coalition (BDSUMAC) is doing awesome work to expand coverage for those bleeding disorders who are experiencing substance use and/or mental health issues. Check out their work here! https://www.bdsumhac.org/

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding 101
New mRNA for HMB?
https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/new-research-seeks-an-mrna-therapy-for-heavy-menstrual-bleeding

Rares
This online resource for the Latino families navigating rare diseases is not bleeding disorder specific, but does offer great education, resources, and connections for Spanish speaking families and individuals.
https://somosrare.org/

Bits and Bobs
World Hemophilia Federation has expanded the list of Essential Medications.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wfh-mobilizes-global-community-to-achieve-milestone-revisions-to-who-eml-302555143.html

CHES News
If you are enjoying the Digital Digest and are interested in seeing more articles written by CHES Subject Matter Experts, sign up for our annual print publication LifeLines for Health. It will arrive via snail mail once a year and is packed with knowledge nuggets and community info. Sign up here: https://ches.education/newsletter

By Females for Females- BFF - October 22nd @ 8pm EST
Join CHES's fall virtual By Females for Females (BFF) session! This discussion is open to females ages 19+ who are diagnosed with a bleeding disorder of any kind or seeking diagnosis. It is a safe, inclusive and engaging place to share concerns, questions, and experiences.

This month’s topic is "Exploration and Preparation". The aim is to take space and make space regarding preparation for clinical visits, exploration of what a diagnosis means to you, and how we can best support each other in this bleeding disorder journey. We will be joined by Dr. Joanna Davis, esteemed hematologist and CHES Board Member, who will share what testing women might suggest or advocate for to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Sign up for BFF here: https://form.jotform.com/250796493352163

Visite la página de Hermanas de Sangre para obtener más información sobre nuestra iniciativa para promover la autodefensa de aquellos que hablan español

**Hermanas de Sangre Campaign — CHES Foundation | Rare Bleeding Disorders**

Upcoming CHES Events 2025

InhibitCon West: October 3-5, Portland, OR- next week- eeeek!

OneDrop (Ultra-Rare Consortium): November 14-16, Tampa, FL- Applications are open!

Applications for 2025 CHES Events open approximately 8 weeks ahead of event date. If you are interested in learning more about CHES's critical in person community educational events in 2025, please visit the CHES Website. We are excited to share education, connections, and community with you!