The bleeding disorders community comes together once a year for education and connection at the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation’s (NBDF) annual Bleeding Disorders Conference. During the conference, NBDF recognized the efforts made by people — both in a professional capacity and through volunteer work — to change and improve the lives of those living with bleeding disorders.
These award recipients were honored at the 2025 Awards of Excellence ceremony in Aurora, Colorado.
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Candi Mitchum
Diagnosed with von Willebrand disease in her 20s, Mitchum has made it her personal mission to ensure that people with VWD don’t suffer without treatment the way that she did. She is deeply committed to advocacy with the Bleeding Disorders Association of South Carolina.
CHAPTER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Antonio Jenkins
Jenkins has made a difference in the lives of a generation of kids with bleeding disorders through his volunteer efforts with Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan. Through camp, family days, teen retreats, and other events, he lends a hand with activities and planning and is a source of inspiration and guidance.
GENETIC COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR
Mary Pat Bland, M.S., CGC
Bland, a genetic counselor at Oregon Health & Science University, is a national leader in bleeding disorders genetic counseling, by educating peers, co-chairing a key subcommittee, and working toward guidelines to support genetic counselors entering the field.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Glenn Pierce, M.D., Ph.D.
Pierce has worked on behalf of the bleeding disorders community in both a professional and personal capacity for most of his adult life. As a researcher and advocate and a survivor, leader, and mentor, he is an inspiration for our entire community.
LORAS GOEDKEN OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARD
Ryan Crowe
Crowe has held several key leadership roles for the Texas Central Bleeding Disorders chapter, including board president. As a member of the Texas Bleeding Disorders Coalition, he has testified at the state Capitol several times and provided crucial testimony for a bill eliminating copay accumulator adjuster programs.
LIVED EXPERIENCE EXPERT OF THE YEAR
Ray Stanhope
Stanhope is a longtime leader in the bleeding disorders community and has used his considerable knowledge and expertise to enhance NBDF’s community-centered research initiatives.
MARY M. GOOLEY HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR
Connie Montgomery
Montgomery is a tireless champion for people with bleeding disorders who are too often overlooked. Through global patient advocacy and health care workshops, she has been an inspiring force in the community for decades.
MARY M. GOOLEY HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR
Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D.
Marks has been a long-standing ally for the rare disease community through his work with the Food and Drug Administration and has overseen major advances in gene therapy and blood donor policy. He has combined scientific expertise with compassion to improve safety and care for people with blood and bleeding disorders.
NURSE OF THE YEAR
Joe Stanco, DNP, FNP-BC, CPI
Stanco, from Northwell Health in New York City, brings lab expertise, research innovation, and a patient-first approach to bleeding disorders care, improving outcomes and strengthening community trust.
RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR
Len Valentino, M.D.
Valentino has been a powerhouse in the field of bleeding disorders research for decades. He continues to lend his expertise through his work with NBDF’s Pathway to Cures and the World Federation of Hemophilia USA.
RYAN WHITE YOUTH AWARD
Waylon Page
Page has been a tireless advocate since he was 7 years old, involved in fundraising, education, and awareness, and most recently, state legislation. He played a key role in the enactment of a law requiring bleeding control kits and trainings in Connecticut.
PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR
Brian Andrew, CFA
Andrew has been a champion of NBDF for nearly 20 years, guiding strategy, advancing innovation, and securing vital resources and funds. As founding chair of NBDF’s Pathway to Cures, his leadership and generosity have been indispensable to NBDF.
PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Jordan Wright, M.D.
Wright is a dedicated pediatric hematologist from Dayton Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, who brings care, education, and commitment to his patients and the bleeding disorders community.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST OF THE YEAR
Makenzie Sledd, PT, DPT
Sledd, of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, is a collaborator, educator, and patient advocate. Through 17 years of service, she’s built deep connections with both the community and her peers.
SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR
Marissa Zanno, LSW
Zanno, of Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., has founded a parent support group, expanded access to care for underserved families, led clothing drives, and spearheaded education for school staff.
ZIGGY DOUGLAS INNOVATION IN YOUTH PROGRAMMING AWARD
Arizona Bleeding Disorders
The chapter has revitalized their youth programming, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to grow, connect, and become the next generation of community leaders.