Thomas Maxwell: From Hemophilia Shame to Strength – Walking for Bleeding Disorders
Thomas Maxwell, Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“This weekend I walked three miles in the Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation’s Unite Walk.
For most of my life, I would’ve been ashamed to tell you why.
I have hemophilia, a bleeding disorder that keeps blood from clotting the way it should.
When I was little, the treatment wasn’t anything like it is now.
A bump on the head or a cut meant a trip to the hospital.
So I was the only kid in my elementary school wearing a bicycle helmet to class.
My dad drew cartoon characters on it to make it cooler… (it still didn’t look very cool, though.)
Many years later, I realized that strength means truly owning and accepting every part of yourself, even the parts that make you feel vulnerable.
My wonderful mother has been doing this walk year after year since way back then.
Last year, I finally started showing up with her.
In my work, people trust me with some of the most personal parts of their lives.
It felt right to share one of mine.
If you’d like to support people and families living with bleeding disorders here in Western PA, scan the QR code in the photos to donate to WPBDF.
And if you want to walk with us next year, just reach out: I’d love the company.”

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