Janet Brewer
Co-founder / Chief Executive Officer

jbrewer@ches.education

Janet was immersed in the world of bleeding disorders nearly five decades ago, when her brother was born with severe hemophilia A. Twenty years later, her son Christopher was born with severe hemophilia A. A second son, Stephen was also diagnosed with hemophilia A, and daughter Mikayla is a carrier. Her work in founding CHES Foundation and growing the organization’s impact and influence is truly a labor of love and the family business.

Never one to settle for half measures, Janet has devoted her life to learning everything she can about rare bleeding disorders and inhibitors, then sharing that knowledge with individuals with disorders, their families and their medical care providers. She brings an unmatched passion to her work as an advocate, educator and supporter. For her, this is personal.

Her work with CHES has drawn national and international attention to bleeding disorders and the need for education and enlightenment in the medical community. On a national level, she has spoken, along with her son Stephen, on the impact of inhibitors, immune tolerance therapies and use of plasma-derived products.

Drawing upon her experience as an educator, Janet has written articles and presented at chapter symposiums on advocating for your child and developing 504 or IEPs for those affected by bleeding disorders. She has spoken at a local level to educate school nurses and personnel, as well as to the medical students at Tufts University to educate them about living with a bleeding disorder. 

Prior to founding CHES, Janet served as the Director of Program Development and Education for a small home healthcare company, developing and presenting educational programs for members of the hemophilia community. 

Over the years, Janet has served as the Alternate Director for Region I for the National Hemophilia Foundation, as well as a volunteer with the New England Hemophilia Association. She also served a two-year term on the Novo Nordisk Consumer Council.

Janet worked for twenty years in the public schools, teaching and advocating for children with unique learning needs as a special education teacher and reading specialist. She earned a Masters Degree in Education from Simmons College in 2004.   

Eric Lowe
Co-founder/Chief Operations Officer

elowe@ches.education

Eric Lowe is a driving force behind the positive impact CHES Foundation is having on the bleeding disorders community. A tireless advocate for individuals with bleeding disorders and their families, Eric has also taken on the task of educating the medical community about the many aspects of the disorder spectrum that remain misunderstood.

Eric understands because he lives with it every day. He was diagnosed at birth with Severe Hemophilia A. Shortly after, his immune system developed an antibody that fought against the preferred medication to treat his bleeding disorder; often referred to as inhibitors. As an inhibitor patient, Eric relies on bypassing products and has faced many obstacles in the process.

Since 2008, Eric has practiced daily treatment regimens to overcome his inhibitors. Over the years, Eric has undergone various procedures and surgeries to remain an active and healthy individual with a chronic disorder. Today he serves as a role model, enjoying an active and fulfilling life with his wife and young daughters.

So it was an easy decision for Eric to co-create CHES to help fulfill its mission of education and advocacy. He manages communications for the organization, including serving as editor, publisher and designer of the ground-breaking LifeLines for Health™ newsletter.

Eric has become an instrumental component in forums for patients, as well as medical staff training.  He has spoken at symposiums and educational events, focusing on advocacy for teens and young adults. He has written several articles addressing various topics, such as employment with a chronic illness, physical fitness with limitations, and disclosing medical information in the workplace. Eric also served a two-year term on a patient advisory council for a highly regarded drug manufacturer.

Eric received his BA at Ball State University in 2004, then worked in the Education and Program Development Department of a specialty pharmacy company. As the Associate Director, he provided education to patients and their family members in efforts to promote health and wellness for living better lives with a bleeding disorder.

Eric has been featured as an advocacy resource for companies in the bleeding disorder industry as he has been featured in several collateral and newsletter pieces. You can read more about Eric in the National Hemophilia Foundation’s HemAware magazine’s article, “Joint Replacement Surgery in People with Inhibitors.”

Christopher Brewer
Program Director

cbrewer@ches.education

Christopher Brewer fills an essential and critical role with CHES Foundation by managing all programs and the elements involved, continuing and creating education for the patients and families we serve, and holds the key position of managing the data behind the scenes.

Coming from a family of hemophilia and as a patient himself with Severe Hemophilia A and a history of an inhibitor, Christopher has unique insight into the community, the challenges, and how to provide support for those who truly need it.

Christopher is the forefront in our program recruitment, family communications, and leader for the teen track initiative at our live events. His background from educational endeavors at Wentworth Institute of Technology and Cape Cod College include electromechanical engineering, computer science, environmental studies and outdoor education. Christopher’s experience provides a pivotal advantage in all aspects that allow us to bring support and strength to the bleeding disorder community

Joan Ward
Event Director

jward@ches.education

Joan has been a valued member of the dynamic CHES team since inception in 2009, bringing with her a strong background in hotel sales and marketing. She plays a vital role in the strategic selection of event locations, utilizing her expertise to negotiate contracts with properties and subcontractors while meticulously reviewing financial data for accuracy.

In her role, Joan oversees the meticulous planning and execution of a diverse range of live and virtual meetings, ensuring that every logistical detail is handled with precision. Her dedication to excellence shines through as she provides on-site support and closely monitors budgets to maintain financial stability, all while preparing detailed financial reports for the grantor.

With a deep-seated commitment to service, Joan dedicates her time not only to CHES but also to her community. Outside of work, she finds solace in her passion for yoga and her love of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and trail running.

Joan holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, showcasing her academic prowess and dedication to personal growth and development.

Paul Wheatley
Director of Communications and Development

pwheatley@ches.education

Paul joined CHES Foundation in 2021, championing the rights of individuals within the bleeding disorders community. In this role, he orchestrates a range of initiatives aimed at raising awareness and support for the cause. Notable among these efforts are the award-winning national campaigns "SHEMophilia" and "Hermanas de Sangre," which shed light on the experiences of women with bleeding disorders and the Latina community.

With a background in creative writing from Oxford University and Trinity College Dublin, Paul brings a unique blend of artistic flair and strategic acumen to his work. He excels in crafting compelling content for digital platforms, leveraging his skills to amplify CHES Foundation's message and engage a broad audience. Additionally, Paul spearheads fundraising initiatives such as "CHES Champions" and "Birthday Buddies," fostering vital donor relationships to ensure the sustainability of the foundation's programs.

Paul's dedication extends to managing the CHES Digital Digest, a biweekly publication that keeps the community informed about bleeding disorder research, advocacy efforts, and community events. Furthermore, he plays a crucial role in securing funding for CHES Foundation's initiatives by preparing grant applications and cultivating partnerships with philanthropic organizations. Through his multifaceted contributions, Paul continues to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals affected by bleeding disorders, advancing the cause with passion and purpose.