Meet Lode, he is three years old and one of the winners of the Little Bleeders Photography competition. Lode loves to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, he’s learning about all sorts of fun activities and is always running around. In his photo he is out for a ride on his pushbike with his dad. He loves riding his “cool moped” and doesn’t let his haemophilia stop him from doing the things he loves. While only young, Lode is just beginning his journey and is managing to inspire people already with his excitement and enthusiasm.
Lets learn more about Lode (with the help of his mum and dad):
What is your favourite activity?
There are so many things that I love to do but right now my favourite activities are; playing with my cars, “working” with my Bob the Builder helmet on and playing footy in the backyard, oh and of course, riding on my cool moped (push bike).
Can you tell us about your haemophilia?
I have Type A-Severe. They were examining infection values in my blood a few days after I was born, when the cut they made kept bleeding and an observant doctor did some tests, thats when I was diagnosed with haemophilia.
What are some of the challenges you and your family face with your blood disorder?
I was the first child in the family diagnosed with haemophilia, so it probably affected our family a lot, but not as much as having a child in the first place. In other words, they don’t know what it was like to have a child without haemophilia since I was also the first child born in my family. I did get a Port-A-Cath installed just after my first birthday to make infusions easier as I was having joint bleeds very early. Sometimes it’s difficult to avoid certain activities on infusion days, but other than that I don’t think I’m missing out on much.
My little brother who is now one and a half years also has haemophilia so I’m not the only one in the family anymore 🙂
What are some of the challenges you face when it comes to getting to do your favourite activity?
I’m very active and do all the fun stuff the other kids are doing! Also, I’m only three right now so I don’t need to worry about contact or team sports just yet. Maybe when I get older I’ll come across activities my body has more difficulty with, but for now I don’t have many challenges when it comes to having fun with my favourite activities.
Who has helped and inspired you?
Alex Dowsett has made my parents realise haemophilia should not prevent you from reaching your goals and if cycling on a professional level is possible with haemophilia, the sky is the limit!
We also think Little Bleeders plays a big part in the awareness of the haemophilia condition, through social media and other activities.
Well done Lode, and you keep being active and doing the things you love!
