Features
SURO News:
- Application deadline for the 2012-13 session is June 1, 2012.
- "Step Up Reach Out - Grooming Young Leaders," Inside Minds (2010 Empowering Minds newsletter, page 4)
Events:
2012-13 SURO Application Process Opens April 1, 2012
Deadline: June 1, 2012
2011-12 Session: Part II
Defining Your Leadership Role
Date: March 16-20, 2012
(includes two days of travel)
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Testimonials
Here's what past participants have to say about their experience with the Step Up Reach Out program:
"Step Up Reach Out has been an exceptional experience. I applied with an expectation to learn more about the global hemophilia community. SURO gave me the exposure that enabled me to believe that I can make a difference in my community.
SURO was a great combination of work and fun. The biggest advantage has been meeting young guys from different parts of the globe. Knowing about how hemophilia is managed worldwide has broadened the way I look at my bleeding disorder. At the same time, I now have friends from all over the world.
I am currently working out a youth empowerment plan for my own community. In the future, I also hope to start a leadership program modeled on SURO for Hindi speaking youth in India.
I will recommend Step Up Reach Out to all young guys with hemophilia who have a desire to work for the bleeding disorders community."
- Vaibhav (India), member of 2010-2011 class
"It's really surprising how a program such as Step to Reach Out (SURO) changed my views about hemophilia. I wasn't that sure the very first time I attended the meeting in San Francisco, but the power it had on me was unbelievable. Getting in touch with guys all around the world, sharing experiences from our own culture, helped me to realize that there's a lot to do and that any effort, any step I made is just for that precise moment, because you –as a patient – must keep reaching out… Keep going!
My decision to be part of SURO followed the work of a great Peruvian, who spends most of his time helping other patients, regardless of personal benefits. Day and night before applying I thought: What can I do to make that happen? To contribute in my country, to use my knowledge in support of the little ones, or for those whom didn't have the same opportunities as I did – different education, no treatment at all and many other reasons. After all, I said: ‘I will do my best.'
The most important thing that I learned in SURO is that nothing is guaranteed. If I want to have a future, I must build it. All my activities should include hemophilia. There's not going to always be the same doctor or insurance budget. Lobbying is necessary. The laboratories have to keep our voice top of mind. And for that, we must speak louder."
- Jorge (Peru), member of 2010-2011 class
"Step Up, Reach Out is unlike any other leadership initiative I have ever attended! I have made friendships to last a lifetime and connections that will serve me immensely as I continue to work with the bleeding disorders community.
I honestly didn't know quite what to expect when I attended the first session. Would I get along with the other guys? Would I be able to relate to Hemophiliacs from other countries? Would I actually learn anything from the sessions? Would I have any fun?
The answer to all of these questions turned out to be a resounding YES! Being selected to participate with youth from around the world was incredibly empowering and also provided me with a brand-new eye-opening perspective of what it means to be a young man with Hemophilia in the world today. While we came from various corners of the world, we had many things in common. It was a thrill to live and learn with them for these 2 one-week sessions. We learned a lot and got a lot accomplished, but that doesn't mean it was all work and no play:
I had the most fun I've had in a while at Step Up, Reach Out!"
Emil (Canada), member of 2007-2008 class
