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LadyBugs^TM Speakers Bureau

Planning an educational event or symposium? LadyBugs^TM can help! We provide the speakers from our panel of strong, vibrant and exciting women who live with bleeding disorders, and who are making a big difference in our community by empowering themselves and those around them. Following are the biographies of some of our dynamic and engaging members. Past topics include presentations on "Maximizing the HTC Visit for the Physician and the WWBD...What We Need From Each Other", "Empower Yourself, Empower Your Health", and much more! We can tailor a presentation to the needs of your community...let us know how we can help the WWBDs in your area!

LadyBugs^TM Speakers Bureau Members
SHARI BENDER

Shari is the mother of a girl with severe Hemophilia A. With no family history of bleeding disorders, Shari was shocked and devastated at her baby's diagnosis of F-VIII deficiency. Desperate for support, Shari immersed herself in gathering information on bleeding disorders, and sought out others like her in order to become a strong advocate for her daughter. Shari has served on various National Hemophilia Foundation committees since 1998, such as First Step (for new parents) and Project Red Flag (for women with bleeding disorders). Her fundraising efforts have helped secure close to one million dollars for NHF's Time for a Cure campaign for research. Shari is a dedicated community volunteer and impassioned speaker, determined to make the world a better place for her daughter and for all women who live with a bleeding disorder.

BARBARA EVANS FORSS

Barb is a woman with Factor VII deficiency. She suffered from bleeding episodes for 47 years before being correctly diagnosed. Absences from school and work, chronic pain and exhaustion, and endless surgeries and transfusions to control bleeds were often attributed to the fact that "some women just bleed a lot." A total hysterectomy at age 31 to control menorrhagia left her feeling devastated emotionally; as even then, no one could explain her constant bleeding. When Barb learned that up to 2% of the population has a bleeding disorder and doesn't know it, she began doing outreach and advocacy, with training from programs like NHF's Woman to Woman and Project Red Flag. She immersed herself in local and national chapter events, meeting others who shared her concerns. The feelings of empowerment that came from these events led to her creation of an international support network of women with bleeding disorders, LadyBugs, LLC. She has spoken extensively both in the U.S. and abroad, gaining recognition of the need for women with bleeding disorders to be diagnosed and treated. Barb's drive and commitment to the community are apparent in her presentations, which often include humorous and touching anecdotes about women living with a bleeding disorder.

DANIELLE STUEBER, M.D.

Danielle was first diagnosed with Hemophilia A at the age of two, when she refused to walk or stand due to complications from a knee bleed. With no family history of Hemophilia, Danielle's diagnosis of F-VIII deficiency was both a mystery and a challenge. Starting in early childhood, she began her involvement in the bleeding disorders' community through her local chapter events and camp, continuing as a member of NHF's Youth Task Force and Project Red Flag outreach efforts. Danielle decided to pursue a career in medicine due to her desire to help the community. She is currently practicing medicine in Seattle and is furthering her medical training and planning to specialize in Hematology. Danielle also has a young son with severe Hemophilia. Dr. Stueber is a perfect example of how a woman with a bleeding disorder can lead a fulfilling life with purpose. She is a popular speaker at medical conferences and women's events.

DIANE KHOLOS WYSOCKI, PhD.

Diane has had a bleeding disorder with multiple complications since childhood, however no one in the medical community realized it. She wasn't diagnosed until she was 28 years old, after a doctor removed her uterus and ovaries because she was bleeding uncontrollably. Three weeks later, a hematologist told Diane she was a "mutant" and that "women can't have bleeding disorders." Diane believed that for many years and was given cryo for treatments. She started college at the age of 31, received her Ph.D. in sociology in 1996, and continued searching for information on women with bleeding disorders, but found little available. When Diane started her first academic job, she began a study on the quality of lives of women with bleeding disorders. This research project, combined with her education about her own bleeding disorder, has made her a powerful activist for the community, empowering women to stay informed and strong through education and involvement. Diane has spoken about women with bleeding disorders at local, national, and international conferences.

JESSICA AMENDE

Jessica and her husband found out they both had mild vWD, Type I, after their baby daughter was diagnosed with severe vWD, Type III, in 2000. Thus began their journey into the bleeding disorders world in search of education and support, which soon led to their own involvement in both local and national activities. A son was born two years later with the same diagnosis as his sister, severe vWD, Type III. As the Executive Director of the Montana and Wyoming Chapter of the NHF, Jessica pursued grants to fund an array of programs, including a retreat for WWBDs. Jessica was able to expand support to women with bleeding disorders in rural areas where resources are scarce. Jessica's successful presentations at community events allow her to share her passion for the community and her knowledge of vWD, through her own family's story. This enthusiastic and engaging speaker will make a great addition to your next LadyBugs event!