Awards of Excellence

NBDF’s 2025 Annual Awards of Excellence

Each year, the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) honors extraordinary individuals and organizations whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community. The Awards of Excellence celebrate the achievements of advocates, medical professionals, researchers, and volunteers who embody compassion, leadership, and innovation. We invite you to explore this page to learn more about the awards, how to submit nominations, and the incredible contributions of past honorees. Together, let’s recognize the heroes shaping a brighter future for our community.


Please read the FAQs included below to learn more about the Awards of Excellence program, including how to nominate someone, ceremony information, and more. For any questions about the nomination process, please contact us at communications@bleeding.org
 

HISTORICAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Awards of Excellence? 
The National Bleeding Disorder Foundations (NBDF) Awards of Excellence program celebrates outstanding individuals at our annual Bleeding Disorders Conference (BDC), who have made lasting contributions to our blood and bleeding disorders community. Through peer nominations, we recognize those whose service and dedication have created a meaningful impact.

How can I Nominate a Candidate?
Before submitting someone for an Award of Excellence, please read the award descriptions to verify your candidate's eligibility. Submissions will only be considered if submitted as complete – incomplete submissions will not be considered.

To submit a nomination, complete the form using the button on this page. Select the award you are nominating your candidate for and why you think they should receive the award. Provide as much detail as possible, and ensure all required fields are complete and accurate before submitting. You may also submit any additional letters of recommendation, testimonials, links, or multimedia by attaching them at the end of the form.

Who Can Nominate Candidates?
Nominations are welcomed from members of the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community, chapter volunteers and staff, and professionals affiliated with hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs), including medical staff.

Are Self-Nominations Allowed?
Self-nominations are not permitted. If a self-nomination is received, it will be excluded from consideration. 

Who is Eligible to Receive an Award?
Each award has different eligibility criteria. Review the descriptions below for information about each award. Those who meet the requirements are eligible to receive an award.  Note that current NBDF board members, NBDF staff, and paid consultants are not eligible to receive an award.

How are Awards Selected?
Depending on the award, selections are made by either (or a combination of) NBDF staff, volunteers, and/or working group members.

Deadline
The nomination deadline is Friday, April 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time). Any submissions received after the deadline will not be considered unless the nomination period is extended.

Award Notifications
You and the chosen winner will be notified in July if ythey have been selected to receive an award.

Awards Ceremony
The ceremony will be held in-person at BDC on the conference's final day. All registered attendees will be able to attend. As of this time, the ceremony will not be livestreamed. Awardees will have the option to request ticketed seating for non-BDC registrants, such as friends and family members, to share this special moment by emailing communications@bleeding.org. Awardees will receive details regarding this option at a later date.      

 


Awards Information and Eligibility

Awards for Medical Professionals or Professionals in a Medical Setting

Physician of the Year
The Physician of the Year award, presented in honor of Kenneth Brinkhous, MD [1908–2000], recognizes an exceptional HTC physician who has made a profound impact on the lives of individuals with inheritable blood and bleeding disorders. The recipient embodies compassion, demonstrates expertise in the latest treatments, serves as a vocal advocate for Lived Experience Expert (LEE), and is a dedicated member of their HTC team. Their unwavering commitment to LEEs care is evident in all they do. 

Dr. Brinkhous was a renowned physician and professor whose groundbreaking research paved the way for revolutionary treatments in the bleeding disorders community. NBDF is proud to dedicate this award in his memory.

Nurse of the Year
The Nurse of the Year award recognizes an HTC nurse who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community, going above and beyond their daily responsibilities at their treatment center. This individual serves as an inspiring role model in the nursing profession and has a minimum of two years’ experience caring for individuals with blood or bleeding disorders at an HTC.

Physical Therapist of the Year
The Physical Therapist of the Year award, presented in honor of Donna Boone, PT [1932–2019], recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to the bleeding disorders community, exceeding the scope of their daily responsibilities in an HTC physical therapy role. This person is a role model in the field of physical therapy and has a minimum of two years’ experience working with individuals affected by blood or bleeding disorders at an HTC. 

Donna Boone was a trailblazer in the integration of physical therapy and bleeding disorders care, mentoring countless professionals throughout her career. NBDF is proud to honor her enduring legacy through this award.

Social Worker of the Year
The Social Worker of the Year award, presented in honor of Jill Solomon, recognizes an individual who has provided exceptional service to the blood and bleeding disorders community, exceeding the expectations of their day-to-day responsibilities in an HTC social work role. This individual is a role model in the field, demonstrating unwavering dedication to individuals, families, and community members at an HTC, with a minimum of two years’ experience in the role.

Jill Solomon, a former NBDF staff member, was a tireless advocate for social workers and a beloved and respected leader within the community. She was honored by the NBDF Social Work Working Group, and this award was renamed in her memory following her passing in 1997.

Mary M. Gooley Humanitarian of the Year
The Mary M. Gooley Humanitarian of the Year award honors a non-provider HTC staff member or professional at another service agency who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the care of LEEs and families within their HTC or agency. This individual embodies a compassionate and humane spirit, working tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for those they serve.

Mary M. Gooley [1925–2019] dedicated more than 40 years to the bleeding disorders community, serving as the executive director of the Hemophilia Center-Rochester Region, Inc.—now the Mary M. Gooley Hemophilia Center—and continuing to volunteer after her retirement. NBDF is proud to celebrate her remarkable legacy through this award.

Genetic Counselor of the Year
The Genetic Counselor of the Year award recognizes an individual who has played a pivotal role in assisting, guiding, and educating families and individuals about the genetic inheritance of blood and bleeding disorders. For many families discovering they are carriers of an inheritable bleeding disorder, a genetic counselor is often the first to provide understanding, support, and guidance on the LEEs journey, inspiring informed decision-making.

This award honors a genetic counselor who demonstrates both expertise and empathy, staying at the forefront of the latest research and preparing for an expanded role in the evolving field of molecular therapies for coagulation disorders.

Dr. Murray Thelin Researcher of the Year
The Dr. Murray Thelin Researcher of the Year award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution to scientific research and discovery, resulting in a positive impact on the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community. This award is named in honor of Dr. Murray Thelin, a distinguished biochemist who, despite living with hemophilia, played a pivotal role in developing a method for concentrating the antihemophilic factor.

Since 1966, this award has recognized researchers whose work advances our understanding of bleeding disorders and brings us closer to improving the quality of life for those affected, as well as to finding a potential cure.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Nominees should have a research background in inherited blood or bleeding disorders, regardless of their affiliation with federally funded HTCs.
  • All doctoral-level researchers (MDs, PhDs, DNPs, DPTs, etc.), whether within or outside of the HTC multi-disciplinary team, are eligible.
  • Nominees must have made substantial contributions to research that advances the understanding or treatment of bleeding disorders, demonstrated through leadership in clinical trials, publications, and grants.
  • Industry colleagues may also be considered if their work has had a broad, substantial impact on the understanding of bleeding disorders or the development of groundbreaking therapies.

Awards Honoring NBDF Community Advocates, Volunteers, and Chapter Staff

Advocate of the Year
The Advocate of the Year award, presented in honor of Joseph Early and Dr. L. Michael Kuhn, recognizes an individual who plays an active role in their chapter’s advocacy program, champions the needs of the community, and demonstrates a steadfast commitment to ensuring individuals with bleeding disorders have access to treatment and care. The nominee's chapter must be affiliated with NBDF.

U.S. Representative Joseph D. Early [1933–2012] was a prominent member of the House Appropriations Committee until 1993 and a vocal advocate for individuals with inheritable blood and bleeding disorders. Dr. L. Michael Kuhn [1929–1974] was a dedicated medical professional and a tireless advocate for the bleeding disorders community. This award honors their lasting contributions to advancing care and advocacy for those affected by bleeding disorders.

Chapter Volunteer of the Year
The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a chapter volunteer who has made a significant and lasting impact on their local chapter through exemplary leadership, volunteer efforts, engagement, and advocacy. This individual demonstrates a deep commitment to the chapter’s mission and has been a valuable resource to their local community over the years. The recipient must be a member of an NBDF-affiliated chapter

Lived Experience Expert of the Year
Lived Experience Experts (LEEs) are individuals, caregivers, and family members directly impacted by inheritable bleeding disorders. Their personal experiences provide them with unique insights, allowing them to drive meaningful system changes. LEEs play a crucial role in shaping bleeding disorders research and, to the best of their ability, should influence or lead efforts in this area. They should represent the diverse spectrum of those affected by these disorders.

The Lived Experience Expert of the Year Award honors an individual who has made significant philanthropic contributions and actively engaged in NBDF’s research initiatives, particularly in clinical trial design, community engagement, recruitment, education, and advocacy.

Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in honor of Dick James, recognizes an individual who has dedicated their life to improving the lives of those affected by inheritable blood and bleeding disorders. This person has made significant contributions on a national or international scale to advance research, care, and advocacy, while fostering new leadership to guide the organization into the future.

Dick James [1951–1993], who lived with hemophilia and AIDS, was a tireless advocate and leader for individuals with inheritable blood and bleeding disorders as well as those living with HIV.

Loras Goedken Outstanding Leadership Award
The Loras Goedken Outstanding Leadership Award is presented to a current chapter board member (serving within the past year at an NBDF-affiliated chapter) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and engagement, benefiting both their chapter and local community.

Loras Goedken [1944–1997] was a proactive and dedicated leader within the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community. He was a tireless advocate, actively involved in his chapter, and contributed to numerous local boards, government initiatives, and support groups.

Philanthropist of the Year Award 
The Philanthropist of the Year Award honors an individual, family, foundation, or corporate partner whose generosity has profoundly advanced the mission of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF). This esteemed award recognizes exceptional commitment through transformative contributions of time, resources, and advocacy that support vital programs, expand access to care, drive research, and create lasting impact for individuals and families affected by inheritable blood and bleeding disorders.

Recipients of this award embody compassion, leadership, and a commitment to positive change. They inspire others to give back, champion healthcare equity, and strengthen NBDF’s ability to serve the diverse needs of the bleeding disorders community.

Ryan White Youth Award
The Ryan White Youth Award, presented in honor of Ryan White, recognizes a young individual (ages 8–25) who has played a significant role in educating others, both within the inheritable blood and bleeding disorders community and among the general public, by raising awareness and fostering understanding.

Ryan White [1972–1990] had severe hemophilia and contracted AIDS in 1984 through the infusion of contaminated clotting factor. He brought national attention to hemophilia and its complications, challenged prejudicial attitudes, and educated the public, generating widespread compassion. This award honors and continues his important legacy.

The Val Bias and Todd Smith Innovation in Camp Award  
Camp is at the heart of the blood and bleeding disorders community. Each year, chapters across the country work tirelessly to offer camp programs that provide essential educational opportunities while creating lifelong memories.

The Val Bias and Todd Smith Innovation in Camp Award recognizes a chapter that has developed and implemented innovative and creative camp programming in the previous summer. The recipient(s) will also receive $5,000 to support future camp programming.

The Ziggy Douglas Innovation in Youth Programming Award
The Ziggy Douglas Innovation in Youth Programming Award recognizes chapters that champion, develop, and support the spirit of youth. Donald “Ziggy” Douglas, the former Executive Director of the Hawaii Chapter of NBDF, was a beloved leader who was sadly lost too soon. This award honors his legacy by celebrating chapters that prioritize nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Join us in celebrating the individuals who exemplify excellence and dedication in our community. Submit your nomination today to ensure their contributions are recognized.