How to Avoid the Shame and Blame Game
I will never forget the first time the Hemophilia Federation of America asked me to facilitate a discussion group…
Articles by Joe MacDonald
My Takeaways From This Year’s Bleeding Disorders Conference
Despite the challenges associated with holding a large conference online, the National Hemophilia Foundation did a fantastic job at…
A Letter to My Sons
I remember the first time I put my hand in your hand. You seemed to smile out of a sense…
National Hemophilia Conference Provides Hope for the Future
Saturday afternoon marked the opening of the virtual edition of the National Hemophilia Foundation’s Bleeding Disorders Conference. I immediately missed…
Our Virtual Connectedness
As we continue to practice social distancing, I find it exceedingly difficult to stay connected to brothers and sisters in…
Beyond Diagnosis, We Found Community
I am the first person to insist that a diagnosis does not define my children. In my home, we never…
We Are the Experts of Our Own Stories
At times I struggle with documenting my journey as a caregiver for a loved one with a bleeding disorder.
The Roles We Play as Caregivers
Two weeks ago, my family moved back to New Mexico. Today, I find myself attempting to bring order to my…
Accepting a Hemophilia Diagnosis Was a Question of Faith
I entered my 3-month-old son’s room and stared at him as he peacefully slept in his cradle. Streetlights shined through…
Managing Chaos as a Family
If there is one word in the English language that drives me batty, it’s “chaos.” It implies a lack of…