Project Solstice - Melbourne to the Mountains

When George Mallory was asked why he wanted to climb Everest, he simply answered “Because it is there” and this is much the same. For years we have driven the Hume, staring out into the changing landscape, saying to ourselves, we could ride that and this year is the time to find out.

 

This December, on the longest day of the year, 6 riders will leave Melbourne and head north for 350km in an attempt to get to Bright before the sun sets. The route winds out of Melbourne suburbia, over the Yarra Ranges, through the Goulburn, Yarra, and King Valleys before finally reaching the Ovens with 4000m of climbing achieved.

 

Who are we raising money for? The Haemophilia Foundation of Victoria.

 

Why are we raising money for the HFV? More than 6,500 people in Australia have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder and one of them is on this ride. Although HFV receives some government funding through the Blood Borne Virus and STI program, this is primarily to cover administration costs meaning that the programs that connect, support and empower people in Victoria affected by an inherited bleeding disorder rely heavily on donations to run.

 

More information about the Haemophilia Foundation Victoria Inc 

HFV’s overall aim is to connect, support and empower people in Victoria living with an inherited bleeding disorder, their carers and close family members also impacted. In addition to health promotion, peer support programs are a major focus of our work.  Some peer support events such as the annual camp, regional outreach, social/educational outings and picnics are open to all members of the bleeding disorder community, while others target specific cohorts within our community.

Two examples of this are the HFV Community Camp and the Mens Retreat,

HFV Community Camp 

Our camp program offers both fun activities and supportive sessions, with all ages, interests and abilities catered for, including those who just want to chill out and relax. The program has been developed with input from our Haemophilia Treatment Centres, HFV members and families, as well as experts in Adventure Therapy. For young families, the extended morning treatment session overseen by staff from our HTC’s is very special. Also, early morning walks, relaxation/yoga, sessions for men and women, and for the adventurous assorted adventure activities. On both Friday and Saturday evening there are activities for all the family. Adventure Activities are led by trained specialist staff and *Purple Soup staff, ably supported by our growing band of emerging HFV Youth Leaders. Not only do our youth provide great support during activities, but they are also wonderful role models with a wealth of knowledge and personal experiences they will happily share with younger children and parents alike.

 

Mens Retreat

A weekend in county Victoria where older guys living with haemophilia get to meet and chat.  There is also meditation, mindfulness and massage sessions.

 

Program Impacts - attendee feedback

Men’s Weekend Retreat

“To all the boys, it was great to meet you and hear a little of your stories.  I think it is through times together like this weekend that provides great opportunity to learn and grow from each other’s journey.  Thank you for that opportunity”.

“It was a profound experience for me to meet and get to know these wonderful guys.  For me, hearing their stories, and seeing how thy have negotiated and coped with these big challenges was absolutely priceless and enthralling.  It’s not easy to explain the emotions I felt upon meeting them – they have experienced and overcome challenges so parallel to my own.  For much of my life I have been very private about my illness, especially the viruses.  Yes, my close family and friends know, and they are wonderfully supportive, but there is nothing like comparing notes with others who have been there.  I mean exactly there!”

 

Community camp
We had an amazing time on our first camp. It has opened up a whole new world of support and changed our future. 
Loved all of it! I really enjoyed seeing my kids enjoying the camp. Kids with haemophilia coming together to break down isolation 
Enjoyed the whole family being involved and the huge amounts of laughing! 
Treatment session  was fantastic, huge impact for our family 
Great sessions all day, busy day but thoroughly enjoyed 
Could we just stay here forever!! 
[it was great] seeing my child take a leadership role and be a role model to the younger children
Spending time with the other parents, finding out valuable medical information which should make my life a lot more comfortable.
Giving our daughter the opportunity to see the boys having their treatment, this will support her awareness and understanding of haemophilia as she grows and develops in the future
Meeting other parents and discussing everyday issues about having a child with haemophilia. Sharing stories and getting insights in how to deal with issues that might arise that you have never considered before. Also, seeing our son participate in the activities and making new friends that also have haemophilia, helps normalize his condition in his own eyes I think. Also, seeing him take part in physically challenging (and psychologically) activities is extremely beneficial for his self confidence, not to mention fun for him.