Hemophilia 24/7 - a Column by Cazandra Campos-MacDonald

Hospitalizations are disruptive. When someone has to go the hospital, day-to-day routines take a back seat. Being at the hospital becomes the top priority and life must move around the illness. But when a patient and family experience constant hospitalizations, this becomes their normal routine. My youngest son, Caeleb,…

Factor and supplies used to take over my kitchen. Boxes of syringes, Betadine swabs, dressing kits, monthly Sharps containers, and box upon box of factor arrived and needed to be organized and put away. The number of items was overwhelming. Sometimes the boxes would stay unopened for a…

Is it starting again? Is hemophilia about to take over my world? For more than seven years, my family has enjoyed life with hemophilia in the background. My youngest son, Caeleb, is 15 and has severe hemophilia A with an inhibitor. His early years were filled with complications that led…

My family was involved in a car accident. An afternoon to the movies turned into phone calls to the police, 911, and the insurance company. Left behind by a reckless driver, I am grateful that two witnesses came forward. Having never been in an accident, I hope this is my…

My youngest son, Caeleb, is a sophomore in high school. Being with his marching band “people” makes him very happy. Caeleb plays the trumpet, but he also plays the synthesizer in the percussion pit (which performs from the sideline) during marching season. I am grateful for the band director’s…

Every family member has a role. Parents usually assume the roles of providers and nurturers, making sure their children have a roof over their heads, food to eat, and plenty of love. Siblings each bring their unique personalities to the home. Some are playful and fun-loving, while others may be…

I enjoy Sunday mornings. As a United Methodist pastor, I lead worship and love on my congregation. However, one of my favorite parts of the morning is my commute. My youngest son, Caeleb, comes with me to church. He is responsible for the video recording and sound each Sunday.

I have carried a pocket calendar since my junior high school years. I recently came across an old calendar from 10th grade. Pictures of playful puppies were on the cover, and ticket stubs were tucked inside the sleeve. I was overwhelmed by memories of my younger days and the happiness…

Sometimes, conversations lead me to reveal that my boys have hemophilia. It is usually a harmless conversation without any agenda. However, I am not always sure how to reply when someone tells me how sorry they are to hear that my boys have an illness. It often depends on…

Spiral notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, and highlighters make my heart happy. These items signal the beginning of the school year. I have fond memories of buying new pencil boxes and the perfect backpacks for my sons. I always look forward to taking them shopping for school supplies. Now that my…