How to support a loved one with chronic illness
Living with someone who has a chronic illness has taught me much about perspective — both my own and that of others. While being married to someone who has hemophilia and epilepsy, I’ve…
HemoWife — Alliah Czarielle
Alliah Czarielle, or Cza, is a writer, entrepreneur, and digital marketer based in Marikina, Philippines. She is married to Jared, who has severe hemophilia B and a seizure disorder. They have a young daughter and two other “babies” — a dog and a cat. Cza herself is diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar II disorder. This allows her to offer a unique perspective on navigating various aspects of young adult life (e.g. relationships, career, and parenting) with chronic health conditions. In her free time, she enjoys collecting fountain pens, supporting small businesses, traveling across the country, and exploring local cafes. She continues to blog like most 90s kids did in the Internet’s early years, sharing her thoughts and interesting discoveries on her personal website, czaofalltrades.com.
Featured Post
What do people with hemophilia actually need?
When someone we love is diagnosed with a chronic illness, our instincts often compel us to search for solutions: stricter routines, healthier diets, more discipline, or the willpower to push through. While self-help culture…
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Embracing the holiday hustle and bustle in our own way
While the holiday season brings excitement, it also creates unique challenges for families like ours who are managing chronic conditions. My husband, Jared, has severe hemophilia B and epilepsy, and I have attention-deficit/hyperactivity…
Understanding the nuances of hemophilia bleeding
After a decade of living alongside my husband, Jared, and his severe hemophilia B, I’ve learned that not all bleeding is as straightforward as it may seem. Bleeds vary widely, not just in…
For my husband, it’s harder living with epilepsy than hemophilia
When people hear about epilepsy, they often picture sudden, dramatic falls, frantic efforts to keep the person safe, and looming threats of injury. For my husband, Jared, these are indeed valid concerns. “What…
The benefits of pride and dignity, for people with disabilities in particular
I’ve lately come to realize that pride and dignity are core values in my life, profoundly influencing my sense of self and my interactions with others. Although pride is sometimes seen as a negative…
How hemophilia influenced my husband’s need for validation
Living with hemophilia involves more than managing physical symptoms. It comes with mental and emotional challenges, too. My husband, Jared, who has severe hemophilia B and epilepsy, has spent much of his…
What we’ve learned about obesity, fat-shaming, and hemophilia
Fat-shaming is a widespread issue that can also affect people with hemophilia, especially young children. At its core, fat-shaming involves making negative comments or judgments about a person’s weight, which can lead to…
What does a minor cut do to someone with hemophilia?
One of the most pervasive and amusing misconceptions about hemophilia is that a person with the condition could bleed to death from a tiny paper cut. People often think that those with…
Rejection is a risk worth taking, even in the context of hemophilia
Ever since turning 30, I’ve been on a fast track toward self-improvement, determined to get the most out of life. I want to experience things meaningfully with my husband and daughter, doing things that…
How my advocacy fulfills my college’s call to ‘Serve the People’
When the University of the Philippines (UP) unveiled its new motto, “Honor. Excellence. Service.,” this past June, it took me back to my days there as a student. The phrase “Serve…
A father’s words of wisdom for parents of a child with hemophilia
Becoming a parent changes everything in life. This was certainly true for my husband, Jared, who’d always dreamed of being a father, despite having severe hemophilia B and frequent seizures. When our…
