St. Pete Superhero Walk Raises $50,000 for Bleeding Disorders

four people wearing superhero masks and capes and blue t-shirts that read "Superhero Walk" — The Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Florida’s Superhero Fun Walk in St. Pete raised $50,000 to support families affected by bleeding disorders.
*Photo by Michael Cruz*

The Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Florida exceeded its goal and raised $50,000 for its 19th Annual Superhero Fun Walk.

The Superhero Fun Walk took place at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg on Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. The walkathon brings people together to dress as their favorite superheroes. Participants also gather for food, games and community.

“Every step has a purpose,” said Kevin Free, events and marketing coordinator for the Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Florida. “We move for a mission.”

The money raised through this fundraiser goes toward emergency financial assistance, medical identification, and programs such as Camp Spirit, a summer camp for children with bleeding disorders. Through education, referral services, advocacy and research, the foundation works to improve the lives of people affected by bleeding disorders.

a person holding up a blue t-shirt that reads "Superhero Walk" — Those who donated to the foundation received an exclusive Superhero Walk T-shirt.
*Photo by Michael Cruz*

A Personal Connection

Free was diagnosed with a bleeding disorder by the time he was 3 years old. Doctors found that he had a hematoma under his tongue after surgery for a lisp.

“It was very hard on my family. We felt isolated, struggled, didn’t know anybody else that had this or really what to do,” Free said.

There is no known cure for bleeding disorders, he added. His family found support through the Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Florida, and Free connected with other kids who could relate to his experience. Free has now worked with the foundation for more than three years.

a woman talking into a microphone while looking at a man standing next to her. — Fran Haynes, executive director of the Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Florida, spoke before the walk with Brian McDonald, honorary co-chair of the Superhero Walk and a longtime supporter of the foundation.
*Photo by Michael Cruz*

What the Funding Supports

The fun walk helps people with bleeding disorders and their families in a multitude of ways. The foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program helps families pay for emergency situations such as rent, utility bills, food, and medical assistance.

The fundraiser also supports hemophilia treatment centers. The foundation operates nine federally-funded HTCs across Florida, three of which are in the Tampa Bay area.

“These provide comprehensive care, specifically dedicated for our bleeding disorders community,” said Free.

There are doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists—just about everything you can think of, Free added.

Free appreciates what the Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Florida was able to do for him and his family growing up. Now, he gets to support the foundation from a different point of view.

“I love that I can give back so much to what gave me so much when I was younger,” he said.

Look through photos from the Superhero Fun Walk

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