WE EDUCATE: Empowering Our Community Through Knowledge
Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence creates independence. At Bleeding Disorders of the Heartland, we are committed to providing meaningful educational opportunities, valuable resources, and experiences that empower individuals and families to navigate life with a bleeding disorder. From traditional programs to new and innovative opportunities, we are always looking for ways to grow, improve, and better serve our community.
WE CONNECT: Creating Community, Building Lasting Relationships
No one should have to navigate life with a bleeding disorder alone. Our community is made up of individuals and families with different backgrounds, diagnoses, experiences, and perspectives, and we believe those differences make us stronger. Through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and lasting friendships, we strive to create a welcoming environment where every member feels heard, seen and valued.
WE SUPPORT: Your Voice Matters. Your Journey Matters. You Matter.
Our members are at the heart of everything we do. Many of our staff and board members have personal connections to bleeding disorders, giving us a deeper understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and everyday realities our families face. We are driven by a genuine passion to listen, advocate, adapt, and provide support that meets the evolving needs of our community. Your feedback, experiences, and ideas help shape our future, because BDH isn’t just an organization you belong to; it’s a community where you belong.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
At Bleeding Disorders of the Heartland, our mission is simple: To educate, connect, and support those affected with bleeding disorders.But our commitment goes beyond those words. We strive to build a community where every voice is heard, every experience is respected, and every individual knows they matter.
Together, we are stronger. Together we are the Heartland.
Brooke Loving
Executive Director
Brooke is the wife of Joe Loving. Brooke and three of their seven children are diagnosed with Von Willebrand Disease. Brooke is passionate about membership feeling connected and providing programs that will build relationships that will last a lifetime. Brooke has been involved with the organization as a member, board member and President of Directors. She is looking forward to this new season as Executive Director.
Amber Smith
Administrative & Programs Assistant
Mission Statement:
To educate, connect, and support those affected with bleeding disorders.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Julie McAnally, President
I am originally from a small town – Sully, Iowa. My husband and I settled in the Des Moines area shortly after we were married. We have two active boys, both who are affected with Hemophilia. I am also the Director of Growth & Development for Holmes Murphy where I activate my passion for developing others, helping them live out their unique potential. I’m excited to have joined the board and am looking forward to the awareness we can bring, as well as the families we can help through shared experiences.
Meg Gillins, Vice President
Meg Gillins lives in Cedar Falls with her husband and five active kids. Her son was diagnosed with Moderate Hemophilia A at birth, and her father and one of her daughters are diagnosed with Mild Hemophilia A. Bleeding disorders have been a reality for all of Meg’s life, even though she does not have the condition herself. Since she and her family have received the connections, education and resources from this organization, her goal is to give back and support the bleeding disorders community in any way she is able. She is excited to work with the board and make more friends and connections in the process!
Devin Smith, Treasurer
My name is Devin Smith and I currently live in Ankeny, IA. I am personally affected by severe Type 1 Von Willebrand’s Disease, having been diagnosed at about 2 years old. I was the first person in my family to be diagnosed, with my younger sister following shortly after and my older sister and father when I was about 5 years old. I have been involved in the bleeding disorders community since 2008, and have been a member of organizations in Pennsylvania and Oregon prior to BDH. I moved to Iowa in 2021 to attend Iowa State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. I graduated in May 2024 and am currently an Engineer at John Deere’s Des Moines Works factory. I’m excited for this new chapter in my life, and I’m looking forward to helping the bleeding disorder community in Iowa!
Orion Wilkerson, Secretary
Orion is a proud graduate of St. Ambrose University, where he earned degrees in Cyber Security and IT Management. As a seasoned professional, he operates mostly in the cyber security field while also running his own successful IT consulting business. Outside of his career, Orion enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, competing in bowling tournaments, and unwinding with his family at home in Alexis, Illinois. He strives to bring enthusiasm and dedication to everything he does, and while not diagnosed with any bleeding disorders himself, Orion is very passionate about advocating for the cause and bringing support and comradery to any individual or family that navigates life while impacted from a bleeding disorder.
Board of Directors
Nate Stirgus, At Large
Thomas Savage, At Large
Thomas currently lives in Burlington and co-owns a Massage business. They were diagnosed with Severe Hemophilia A (Factor VII) deficiency around 6 months old. They were the first in the family to ever be diagnosed. Being the first BDH was an invaluable resource to me and my family, and my brother who also has severe VII. From camp to the educational outings BDH taught me and my family to not be afraid of the diagnoses, but instead to embrace it and live a full life. I look forward to working with the board and the community to keep BDH moving forward.
Skylar Johnson, At Large
Skylar is an active member of the bleeding disorders community. H
e is currently working as a bartender and with the DOT as a snowplow driver. In his spare time, he enjoys playing Cornhole and taking spontaneous trips around the country. He also loves spending time with his two dogs – Karma and Blitz!
He was diagnosed with Severe Hemophilia A at just 18 months old and has spent a majority of his life connecting with others in the bleeding disorders community in many ways.
Bleeding Disorders Summer Camp is one of his favorite traditions! He has served as a volunteer for many regional camps for many years. He is excited to be able to help connect people to the resources they need and establish some peer-to-peer connections for our members as well. He is looking forward to his role on the board in order to give back to the community that helped him so much while he was growing up.
Nicholas Reuter, At Large
I’m originally from Le Mars, Iowa and moved to the Des Moines area around 10 years ago. I’ve been married for nearly 5 years. I’m a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and enjoy spending time with my friends and family when I get the chance.
Jamie Cook, At Large
My name is Jamie Cook and I am originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I graduated from Iowa State University and earned my B.S. in Genetics and Psychology. I worked for two years as an translational research assistant at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics cancer department. I attended the University of North Carolina- Greensboro Master’s of Genetic Counseling program and currently work as a genetic counselor at a community hospital. I am passionate about informed and personalized decision-making, especially when it comes to healthcare. My drive to join BDH stems from my commitment to helping people find community and I am thrilled to join BDH and help advance the mission of education, connection, and support.
Katelynn Wilkerson,
Teen Advisor and Program Coordinator
Katelynn has been involved with our organization since her diagnosis at age 9 and has a deep passion for giving back to the community that has supported her throughout her journey. Katelynn is a 20-year-old wife, business owner, licensed cosmetologist, and passionate advocate for the bleeding disorders community. She is the proud owner of Studio 26 in Aledo, Illinois, where she gets to pursue her love for beauty while creating opportunities for other entrepreneurs. Outside of the salon, She serves as the Teen Programs Coordinator for Bleeding Disorders of the Heartland, helping empower the next generation and making a difference wherever she can!
BOARD ADVISOR
BDH is a Proud Member of The Quad Cities Chamber