Wellesley Dad Turns Son's Hemophilia into Community Event

When your child faces a lifelong bleeding disorder, you can let fear take over or you can mix up something good for the whole community.

Kate and Jordan Bazinsky of Wellesley chose the latter. Their young son has severe hemophilia A, a condition where blood doesn't clot properly, leading to dangerous bleeding episodes.

Four years ago, they launched the Best Bloody Mary Competition to raise funds and awareness for bleeding disorders through the New England Hemophilia Association. The event has become an annual celebration that turns a serious health challenge into a reason for neighbors to gather.

This year's competition happens June 7 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Baramor in Newton Centre. Eight restaurants, including Wellesley's own Lockheart, will compete for the best Bloody Mary recipe while guests taste and judge.

The event includes live music, activities for kids, a raffle, and a silent auction. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and kids get in free.

Across town, Wellesley's eighth graders are leading their own community effort. From June 8 to June 17, students at Wellesley Middle School and Wellesley High School are collecting surplus school supplies to donate to schools in Lawrence and Lowell.

The student organizers explained their motivation simply: "It's important that all students throughout the state feel they have the resources they need for a successful learning environment." They're accepting new or gently used supplies like notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and art materials.

The Ripple Effect

Both initiatives show how addressing one family's challenge or recognizing educational inequality can spark waves of generosity. The Bazinskys transformed their son's diagnosis into an annual tradition that educates the community about hemophilia while funding research and support services.

The student-led supply drive connects privileged communities with under-resourced schools just miles away, ensuring that zip codes don't determine whether kids have the tools to succeed. These young organizers are learning early that service isn't about grand gestures but recognizing needs and taking action.

When communities turn challenges into celebrations and students lead the charge for equity, everyone wins.