October 13, 2025

The Power of Mentorship in the Bleeding Disorders Community with Xavier Krueger & Kevin Leurquin

Today on Beyond the Bleeds, we welcome Xavier Krueger and Kevin Leurquin, two amazing members of the bleeding disorders community in Northeast Wisconsin, for an honest and uplifting conversation about the Hemophilia Outreach Center’s mentorship program. Together, we delve into what it means to connect older teens and adults with younger individuals who are navigating life with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. We share stories about making lasting friendships, building confidence, and overcoming challenges, all while highlighting the profound impact of these supportive relationships.

Xavier Krueger is a vibrant 15-year-old living with severe factor VII deficiency. A passionate singer and theater lover, Xavier has been deeply involved with the hemophilia community from a young age—advocating for others, attending Camp Klotty Pine, and participating in the mentorship program both as a mentee and as a budding future leader. Kevin Leurquin, a fitness enthusiast from Green Bay with mild to moderate hemophilia A, is an advocate and entrepreneur known for his resilience, generosity, and commitment to giving back. Kevin’s life experiences, including conquering personal obstacles and running his own food truck, fuel his dedication to guiding younger members of the community as a mentor.

“We can change the narrative of hemophilia and our bleeding disorder by strengthening t
he community and the conversations we have together.”  ~Kevin Leurquin

This Week On Beyond The Bleeds:

  • The Hemophilia Outreach Center’s mentorship program pairs experienced community members with youth for a day of training, conversation, and fun activities.
  • Mentees gain invaluable confidence and learn to communicate about their bleeding disorders in a supportive environment.
  • Mentors find personal fulfillment in sharing their life lessons and seeing mentees grow and thrive.
  • The program fosters genuine connections among people living with rare bleeding disorders, breaking the sense of isolation.
  • Activities like exploring Lambeau Field and completing ropes courses create vibrant settings for learning and bonding.
  • Mentees develop vital social skills, self-advocacy, and leadership abilities that extend beyond the community of individuals with bleeding disorders.
  • Mentors model resilience and honest decision-making, demonstrating that challenges can be turned into strengths.

Looking for practical tips, expert advice, and a sense of community while living with or supporting someone with a bleeding disorder?

Subscribe to Beyond the Bleeds, the podcast that explores life with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other rare conditions. Hosted by Heather Hansen and John Mazzariello, we bring you real stories, expert insights, and heartfelt conversations designed to help you navigate life “Beyond the Bleeds.”

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Don’t miss the Hemophilia Outreach Center’s Winter Education Program!
We invite you to join us on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, at the Oneida Hotel in Green Bay
for a day filled with community, education, and celebration.

This special event will feature expert presentations and interactive sessions designed to support and empower patients and caregivers.
 
Attendees will also enjoy a delicious lunch, opportunities to connect with others in the bleeding disorder community, and a variety of activities that make learning fun and engaging.
 
Families are encouraged to bring their children for kid-friendly activities, including a memorable visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Registration is quick and easy at hemophiliaoutreach.org/events
Businesses interested in making an impact can support the event by donating raffle items that help raise funds for patients living with bleeding disorders.

To contribute, please contact Heather at heatherh@hogb.org

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