BCDI Receives Proclamation from State Representative Mike Unes

The Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute (BCDI) received recognition from State Representative Mike Unes for their World Hemophilia Day celebration and for being actively involved in advocacy efforts for the bleeding disorders community.

The proclamation was presented in honor of Dr. Michael Tarantino, Medical Director of the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute (BCDI), all of the dedicated staff at BCDI, the other federally recognized Hemophilia Treatment Centers of Excellence in Chicago, along with Executive Director, Bob Robinson, and his team at Bleeding Disorders Alliance Illinois.

Representative Mike Unes drafted a proclamation entered as State of Illinois House Resolution #349 on April 14, 2015 for the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute. Resolving by the House of Representatives of the ninety-ninth general assembly, which congratulates Illinoisans that participated in World Hemophilia Day and advocacy events held throughout the year.

Please contact Amanda at (309) 692-5337 or amanda@ilbcdi.org if you have any questions or need more information.

He Doesn’t Just Read the Literature, He Writes It

Recognized with distinction, Dr. Michael Tarantino received the University of Illinois College of Medicine Alpha Omega Alpha Teaching Award at the honors banquet held at the OSF Jump Training Center on May 1st.

Dr. Tarantino received accolades for his mentorship and numerous contributions to the science of treating bleeding and clotting disorder patients, noted around the world. He doesn’t just read the literature, he writes it.

Way to make us proud – YET AGAIN!

BCDI Attends NHF’s Annual Meeting

BCDI team members attended the National Hemophilia Foundation’s 66th Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Among the many things we are proud of, BCDI-led by medical director Dr. Michael Tarantino-continuously plays an instrumental role in helping to educate legislators about the issues facing the bleeding and clotting disorders community. We strive to make significant contributions to clinical research shaping the treatments of today and helping to work towards a bleed free tomorrow.

(From left to right) Kollet Koulianos, MBA, Administrator; Shanna Beard, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor & Social Services Coordinator; Michael D. Tarantino, MD, Medical & Research Director; Jeanette Bredeman, RN, BSN, Nurse Coordinator & Angie Riedel, Outreach Coordinator

Dr. Tarantino Recognized for Outstanding Healthcare Service

Dr. Tarantino was presented the “Walk in Our Shoes Award for Outstanding Healthcare Service Contribution” on Sunday, August 23rd from the Bleeding Disorders Alliance of Illinois.

During the award ceremony in Chicago, Mona Towner, BDAI Board President, stated, “If we did not have dedicated, caring and knowledgeable healthcare providers, the bleeding disorders community would be nowhere. We are pleased to honor Dr. Michael Tarantino with this award.”

Way to go Dr. Tarantino!

BCDI Family Day 2014

BCDI Family Day 2014
SATURDAY, JULY 26TH—11:30 TO ???
Peoria Riverfront Museum
222 SW Washington Street, Peoria

A warm and sincere thanks to all participants and volunteers who helped make BCDI Family Day 2014 the best yet! The Peoria Riverfront Museum was a fantastic venue for the education and creative activites planned. Thank you Dr. Tarantino, Kollet Koulianos, Dr. Roberts, Diana Nichols, Susanna Riley, Michelle Ho, and Ben Hartter for providing such excellent education to the families.

The 2014 Annual Bleeding Disorders Advocacy Award

We packed the Five Points banquet room with over 300 guests. Some highlights of the evening were as follows:

Dr. Tarantino and BCDI’s Administrator, Kollet Koulianos, together with Bob Robinson, the President of the Bleeding Disorders Alliance of Illinois, presented State Representative Mike Unes with the annual Bleeding Disorders Advocacy Award.

Megan Schwerman, one of three scholarship award recipients, received a standing ovation for her heartfelt testimonial about what the scholarship means to and her family.

Shelli Dankoff McClellan was a most entertaining host. She kept the crowd engaged by poking fun at some of the questions and answers during the trivia game.

The silent auction was bustling with friendly competition for some of the enticing baskets full of generously donated gifts from local vendors and beyond.

The three raffle winners were thrilled to receive their raffle prizes which were lavishly donated by Bremer Jewelry and IT360. And finally, the big hit of the evening, pulled off with much aplomb by BCDI Business Administrator, Kollet Koulianos, was the “Let’s Get Lei’d Game”; the winner received an LCD television. Hope to see all of you back in 2015!

Dr. Tarantino Completes 104 Miles Bike Ride

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Tarantino, Medical Director, and Dr. Chris Lansford, Board Member & Surgeon at Peoria, Ear Nose and Throat, for completing the El Tour de Tucson, a grueling 104 mile bike ride through the Arizona desert this past weekend.

Both physicians entered the race and rode as part of Pedaling for Platelets a Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA) effort to help raise funding and awareness for ITP patients & their families.

The wind/sun burn and sore quads were worth the effort, as their efforts helped raise over $12,000 for PDSA!

Biogen Idec Is Awarding Up To $50,000 In College Scholarships!

Biogen Idec is proud to enable students with hemophilia to pursue their passions through a wide range of academic scholarships, including awards for vocational/technical schools, community colleges and four-year colleges and universities. The deadline to apply for the 2014-2015 Biogen Idec Hemophilia Scholarship Program is June 12, 2014.

Program Information

Open to U.S. citizens/legal residents with Hemophilia A or Hemophilia B pursuing a certification or undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree in the Fall of 2014.

• Applicants attending a college/university may be awarded up to $7,000
• Applicants attending a vocational/technical school may be awarded up to $2,500
• The number of awards and award amounts will vary based on unmet academic need
• Applicants will be judged on academic record and involvement in their community

Students, apply online today!

Dr. Tarantino Pedals for Platelets through Tucson Arizona

Dr. Michael Tarantino is recognized worldwide for his signal contributions to the bleeding and clotting disorders community. Such contributions include authoring well over 100 abstracts and publications, and playing a pivotal role as lead investigator on several research studies that have helped to shape care for the patients affected with bleeding and clotting disorders.

In his free time, Dr. Tarantino enjoys bicycling and has logged over 7,000 miles this year alone! His passions will come together in late November as Dr. Tarantino Pedals for Platelets through Tucson Arizona, competing in the El Tour De Tucson in an effort to help raise awareness and funding for the tens of thousands of people who are affected with ITP and other Platelet Disorders!

Please consider helping him meet his goal of raising $5,000 by making a tax deductible gift in his honor!