End of the Year 2023

Dear friends, another year is coming to an end in the endless flow of time.

A year in which we could meet together, share our experiences — both positive and negative. Not only at intergenerational, rehabilitation, but also awareness-raising or social gatherings. Despite all setbacks, differences in our opinions and needs, it was a successful and well-managed year for the Czech Hemophilia Society. Some events and matters were accomplished and completed, others were not. It was undoubtedly also a year that brought each of us and our families considerable joy and feelings of happiness, in whatever form they may have taken. That is, after all, how life goes — there is a time for joy and sadness, a time for success and failure, a time for hope and seeming hopelessness. And it is up to each of us how we approach the circumstances around us — whether positively or dismissively, with a willingness to help or with indifference.

I want to thank those of you who contributed to everything positive, meaningful, and useful that the past year brought. My colleagues on the CSH Council, the leadership of Hemojunior, sponsors, physicians, and other specialists. Without these people, we could hardly fulfil what we managed to accomplish in the past year. And there was no small amount. Great thanks also go to you, the members, for your trust and cooperation. When we needed it, we received your feedback. You took advantage in large numbers of the events we prepared, or you approached us with specific requests that we tried to resolve together. However, nothing happens by itself, nothing should be taken for granted and automatic — behind every step forward, one must see the concrete work and dedication of concrete people with their joys and worries.

We will meet some of you very soon at the Marriott Hotel, where we will spend our fifth social evening. There are still a few free places available. More detailed information, as well as the registration form, can be found on our website at this link. We warmly invite you to this event.

Before we know it, the next World Haemophilia Day will be here (17 April). We would like to call on you once again to join us in illuminating buildings. Simply identify a specific building or landmark, and we will help you with the necessary paperwork. This year, we also asked you to complete a satisfaction survey regarding the functioning of the Czech Hemophilia Society and Hemojunior. Detailed survey results were sent to members by email.

In closing, I would like to draw attention to two "cosmetic" changes in the dates of residential events in 2024. In the diaries that I trust you have all already received, please update the dates for the summer haemophilia camp in Zubří to 21 July – 2 August 2024. For the adult rehabilitation retreat in Bystrá, please change the dates to 10 May – 17 May 2024. Registration for both events will open after the New Year. All information can be found on our website. The dates of other events remain unchanged and have already been confirmed by the provider/organiser.

Dear friends, allow me, on behalf of the Czech Hemophilia Society, to wish you peaceful, hopeful, and joyful Christmas holidays spent in the company of your loved ones. Likewise, I sincerely wish you a peaceful, successful, and honestly lived year 2024, free of unnecessary stress and anxiety. It will certainly not be an easy year, yet let us look forward with hope to what it will bring.

We will be with you in 2024 as well! And you?