Red Cake Day – Jasmin and Lincoln's story

Jasmin and Lincoln are members of the Australian bleeding disorders community.

In October 2016, our son Lincoln was diagnosed with haemophilia B at just 12 weeks old, after a tongue tie procedure led to unexpected bleeding. Sitting in the hospital in the early hours of the morning, we heard a word we had never come across before, haemophilia. By the next morning, with the support of a haemophilia nurse, we began to understand what this diagnosis meant and how to care for him moving forward.

We quickly began sharing what we were learning with family and friends, many of whom had never heard of haemophilia either. Just two weeks after Lincoln’s diagnosis, we held our first Red Cake Day. It was simple: wear red, bake, talk and donate, but it created something truly special. It sparked conversations, built understanding and gave us a way to focus on raising awareness of bleeding disorders. We raised over $1,500 in those first weeks, but more importantly, we created a connection and a genuine sense of belonging.

Since then, Red Cake Day has become a yearly tradition for our family that continues to grow. Each year, we try to include meaningful community initiatives alongside it, whether running a school education session, casual dress day, bake stall, connecting families through support groups, attending haemophilia camps, or giving back by sponsoring a child with a bleeding disorder.

Over the years, Lincoln’s confidence has grown in the most beautiful way. From showing others how his port-a-cath works to now using a butterfly needle to receive factor, he has taken ownership of his journey with strength and positivity. Each year, he shares his updated story with his class, where it is met with genuine curiosity and care. His classmates ask questions, want to understand, and eagerly take part in awareness activities provided by the Haemophilia Foundation Australia (HFA). The students always look forward to seeing their photos in the HFA newsletter and on the website.

We also love the way the hospital and clinics embrace Red Cake Day and Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. By decorating the wards and clinics with red, they create a fun and welcoming space that brings excitement to the children and reminds families they are part of a caring, inclusive, and supportive community.

What began as advocacy and education for our son has grown into something much bigger, with Lincoln now advocating for himself and becoming a role model for other younger children and families. Through our journey, we have come to realise that we are part of a wider community shaped by generations of shared stories, challenges, and triumphs, all led by some of the most resilient people we have ever met.

Raising awareness, especially during Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, is about helping people feel seen, supported, and included. For our family, and especially for Lincoln, the excitement surrounding this month mean so much more than awareness alone. They create moments where he feels understood, celebrated, and seen. By inviting schools, daycares and communities to be involved, it becomes something shared, where connection grows and understanding deepens.

Get involved in this year’s Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month – October 2026.

JASMIN & LINCOLN

Raising awareness for Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month.