NEW CASTLE Rare ailment doesn't stop this scholar

Heather Jones plans to mentor others with bleeding disorders.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Heather Jones hopes to set an example.
The 21-year-old Neshannock Township woman has a bleeding disorder that affects only 1 percent to 2 percent of the population, but she says it hasn't stopped her from pursuing her goals.
After receiving a national scholarship intended to help people with bleeding disorders pursue higher education, Jones says she is ready to mentor young people facing her same situation.
"I'm hoping I can help people realize that even though you have problems, you can achieve any goal you want. You can live out your dreams, and pursuing higher education will help you achieve that," she said.
Jones is a Westminster College senior studying business administration. She plans to attend graduate school and study advertising.
She was diagnosed with von Willebrand disease while in high school. The disorder affects the blood's ability to clot.
"Something as simple as a paper cut could cause me to bleed for a half-hour," Jones said.
In addition, people afflicted with von Willebrand disease experience more nosebleeds and bruise more easily than people without the disease.
Although there are medications to help those with von Willebrand disease, Jones says she just takes pains to avoid injuries and cuts.
Sister also diagnosed
The disease is hereditary, but Jones said neither of her parents, Ronald and Renee Jones, is affected by it.
She learned she had the disease after her older sister, Brittany, was diagnosed.
The sisters belong to a support group operated by Aventis Behring, a company in King of Prussia, Pa., that manufactures plasma protein, something used to treat blood disorders.
It was through Aventis Behring that Jones was awarded the $25,000 Arthur B. Kane Memorial Scholarship.
Company officials say Jones' academic record and her involvement in activities such as Adopt-a-Grandparent and Students Helping Students were instrumental in her receiving the scholarship.
As part of the scholarship requirements, Jones must act as a mentor to high school students with bleeding disorders.
Jones cites Brittany as her own mentor.
Brittany is now studying to become a medical doctor.
"I didn't realize it at the time, but her words and actions have had a great impact on my life and still continue to do so," Jones said.