The Hemophilia Association of the Philippines for Love and Service (HAPLOS Foundation, Inc) will be launching its fundraising project, entitled Art for Life through an art exhibit to take place from August 5 to 11, 2011 at the South Court of the Rockwell Power Plant Mall. The exhibit will formally open on August 5 at six oclock in the evening.

This current fundraising project was born out of the spirit of generosity of the Tuesday Group of Artists, the Thursday Group (an art class) and several friends of HAPLOS. Through the sponsorship of two sessions of the Tuesday Group, HAPLOS was given a number of art pieces, many of which for free, out of the generosity of the artists. The Tuesday Group of artists include among others, Angel Cacnio, Olazo, Nemiranda, Jun Martinez and Remy Boquiren. Another group of art enthusiasts called, the Thursday Group of watercolorists and US based artist Lito David have also donated a number of their art works for this fundraising. All of the paintings from these artists will be on display at the mall for the duration of the exhibit, and will be given as tokens for those who wish to donate to HAPLOS until November 15, 2011.

HAPLOS is the first ever lay-support group for Filipino people with hemophilia in the Philippines. Its members are People with Hemophilia (PWH), their families and caregivers, volunteers, advocates, and medical and paramedical practitioners who have interest in hemophilia.Hemophilia is an in-born, life-long bleeding disorder affecting one out of 10,000 people, mostly males. Persons with hemophilia (PWH) have a deficiency in blood clotting factor, leading to prolonged bleeding, and often require expensive medical treatment and therapy. Without adequate treatment, they often suffer from internal injuries, permanent deformity and painful disabilities, and in severe cases the complications may be fatal.

Notwithstanding their impairment, persons with hemophilia (PWH) need not be disabled, said Reynaldo R. Sarmenta, Chairman of the Haplos Foundation, and a loving father to a son with the condition. As we pursue our programs, we hope to inspire our PWH to develop their God-given talents and go beyond their physical limitations. He added Through our programs, we wish to develop persons with hemophilia to become healthy, strong willed and capable individuals who will someday be productive members and contributing members to our country. More immediately, Haplos advocates to increase public awareness about Hemophilia and to encourage private parties and especially the government to give their support. It is a big challenge, but we believe that with enough financial and logistical help, we can do it!