Daniel Cruz is a person with Severe Hemophilia A and has been involved with the bleeding disorders community over the course of 10 years, volunteering in various in-state and out-of-state chapter events, numerous hemophilia camps, and passionately participating in legislative advocacy opportunities both in California and Washington, D.C. He has also participated in clinical trials for new and emerging products, and shares his story as a patient speaker, discussing his journey and the impact hemophilia has had on his life.

Daniel is inspired by families who face numerous hardships in accessing medication and treatment while living in rural areas. Their stories are reminiscent of his own family’s journey, and he often contemplates the hypothetical scenario: “If my parents never immigrated to the U.S., would I be in the same situation these families are in?” This realization propels him to take action and become involved with Save One Life’s mission.

Daniel’s family comes from a rural village in Oaxaca, Mexico. After seeing the tremendous success and reach of Save One Life, he would like to expand that network into Mexico’s rural population. His parents have shared folktales about “cursed” children from their village who passed away at an early age due to “unexplained, prolonged bleeding.” His goal is to investigate the real possibility of undiagnosed individuals in these rural areas and help Mexico’s national chapter (Federación de Hemofilia de la República Mexicana, A.C.) facilitate the process of securing and shipping donated factor medication, with the help of any local state organizations or networks.