Canadian Hemophilia Society

      In the early 80's the Canadian Hemophilia Society found themselves in a situation very typical of the times. They had acquired a computing platform along with a financial accounting system from a VAR(value added reseller) and were enjoying the benefits that it afforded. The accounting package had capabilities that helped them to satisfy government reporting requirements and to provide financial status information to administrative management and Society members. However they had no computerized information system to help them with their main operational efforts, membership contact and fund raising. One of the principals of WMW was a long time friend of one of the Directors of the Society's board which was the connection that initiated the relationship.

    Good fortune provided that the Society had acquired a mini computer running the same multi-value operating system which WMW had chosen as its development environment. Given that WMW had decided to pursue the "not for profit" marketplace, it seemed like a potentially attractive arrangement for both parties. CHS became one of the first customers of WISL's MR(Membership Registration) system and we began working with them on the companion MRS(Meeting Registration System). Larger societal developments of the mid-1980's distracted the Society and ultimately resulted in a cessation of our mutual efforts.

    In early childhood our small neighbourhood included a very special boy. We were all warned that we had to be very careful when playing with him. No hitting or pushing because the slightest impact could initiate a bleeding episode. Johnny Crooks had hemophilia and all that kept him alive were periodic transfusions and clotting drugs. The Canadian Hemophilia Society's primary goals were to promote awareness of the disease and to generate funds to help with treatment and research towards a cure. Unfortunately by the time the Canadian Red Cross realized that its blood supply had been contaminated by the HIV virus in the mid-80's almost every person with hemophilia had been exposed. Tragically AIDS became the bitter cure for hemophilia in Canada.