Annual Award of ČSH and Hemojunior

This award has been presented since 2009. The recipient is chosen by the board of the Society and Hemojunior based on nominations. The Annual Award is an expression of recognition and gratitude from the haemophilia community to someone who has made a significant contribution to helping others, brought new ideas, performed an exceptional act, or worked long-term for those in need. The laureate may be anyone from the ranks of healthcare professionals, members, sponsors, representatives of institutions, or other supporters who deserve thanks and respect for their work.

Previous recipients include: MUDr. Zdena Vorlová, CSc., František Vondryska, Michal Šťastný, Veronika Čepeláková, PhDr. Vladimír Dolejš, Silvie Bereňová, Václav Tóth, Petr Slunský, Marita Roušarová and prof. MUDr. Miroslav Penka, CSc.

2025 Annual Award Laureate

Dear ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Today we wish to honour a person who is a symbol of perseverance, courage, and tireless energy for our community. A man who has walked alongside us for many years and who, despite the adversity of fate, has never stopped being active.

He is a long-standing member of the Czech Haemophilia Society. He belongs to those who did not experience easy times. He grew up in an era when haemophilia treatment was far from the level it is today. His childhood and youth were marked by repeated joint bleeds, long weeks of immobility, pain and uncertainty — as well as frequent and often lengthy hospitalisations that became an almost routine part of his life. There were even moments when his life was literally at stake.

Yet he never withdrew into seclusion. Quite the opposite. He decided to "play the hand that life dealt him" — and play it to the fullest.

Today he is living proof that even with a serious health condition, one can live actively and with zest. He regularly attends our rehabilitation retreats for adults, intergenerational gatherings, and is always present at our joint events. This year, he even ventured to join a holiday trip to the Canary Islands. Adventure is certainly no stranger to him.

Allow me to share a story that perhaps captures him better than any lengthy account of his medical struggles and life's trials.

He arrived at one of our events, as is his custom, equipped with crutches — his faithful companions. But as soon as he became immersed in conversations, laughter, and the friendly atmosphere, a small miracle happened. There was chatting, debating, planning… and when it was time to leave, our honouree simply stood up — and walked away on his own. Without his crutches.

They remained quietly leaning against the wall, perhaps just as surprised as we were. He only noticed their absence a moment later, as he was about to leave and something — both figuratively and literally — was missing from his hands. So he returned with a smile to collect his "forgotten helpers," while we reflected that if anything can get a person back on their feet, it is good company and the joy of being together.

This amusing anecdote carries something deeper. It shows that despite health limitations, pain, and a lifetime of experience, there is still tremendous energy within him. Energy that he passes on to others. He shows the younger generation what treatment used to look like and what consequences can arise when prophylaxis is not available. He reminds us that today's possibilities should not be taken for granted. When we call him, he picks up the phone. When we ask for help, he never refuses. He willingly speaks about his life, shares his experiences, and gives courage to those who need it most.

He is an inspiration not only for everything he has overcome, but above all for the person he is — kind, open, communicative, and full of life. And since I have known our honouree for many years, I dare say he is not lacking in healthy stubbornness either.

It is with great respect that we present the Annual Award for long-standing loyalty, activity, support of our patient organisations, and inspiration for younger generations to Mr Zdeněk Březina.

Zdeněk, thank you. It is a true honour to have you among us.