Greater Florida Calvin Dawson Memorial Award

Scholarship Sponsored by Hemophilia Foundation of Florida

The Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Florida is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has supported the bleeding disorder community throughout the state of Florida since its founding in 1996. For over 25 years, we have been helping those living with and affected by bleeding disorders to live without limits through much-needed services and programs.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people with bleeding disorders and their families through education, information and referral services, advocacy, and research.

Amount: The number and amount of scholarships varies

Candidate: Florida residents with bleeding disorders attending a college, university or trade school.

What Is Hemophilia A?

Hemophilia A, also called factor VIII (8) deficiency or classic hemophilia, is a genetic disorder caused by missing or defective factor VIII (FVIII), a clotting protein. Although it is passed down from parents to children, about 1/3 of cases found have no previous family history.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hemophilia occurs in approximately 1 in 5,617 live male births. There are between 30,000 – 33,000 males with hemophilia in the US*.  More than half of people diagnosed with hemophilia A have the severe form. Hemophilia A is four times as common as hemophilia B. Hemophilia affects all races and ethnic groups.

What is Hemophilia B

Hemophilia B, also called factor IX (FIX) deficiency or Christmas disease, is a genetic disorder caused by missing or defective factor IX, a clotting protein. Although it is passed down from parents to children, about 1/3 of cases are caused by a spontaneous mutation, a change in a gene.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hemophilia occurs in approximately 1 in 5,000 live births. There are between 30,000 – 33,000 people with hemophilia in the US. All races and ethnic groups are affected. Hemophilia B is four times less common than hemophilia A.