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

Preparing for major spinal surgery has me feeling more than the usual pre-op jitters. There’s something more profound at work — a feeling that connects me to the years of watching my son Caeleb endure numerous surgeries as a result of complications from severe hemophilia with an inhibitor. Because…

“Use the Press’n Seal to cover his bandages when showering!” That’s the text I sent to the wife of a hospitalized friend, who was preparing to be released after an arduous stay. Hearing of his plight with doctors, nurses, and a second surgery was reminiscent of past hospitalizations with my…

I signed up for a Facebook account in 2008. Social media was foreign to me then, but I tried it and was excited to find old friends from high school and college. Catching up on one another’s lives was enjoyable, and seeing my friends’ children resembling their parents was fascinating.

My 18-year-old son, Caeleb, is an artist. When he starts talking about colors, a lengthy conversation will ensue. Now in college majoring in digital arts, he’s passionate about his field, and his love of color runs deep. Art has been a saving grace for Caeleb, who lives with severe…

Imagine a large pickle jar, the kind you might see at a movie concession stand filled with pickles. But inside this otherwise empty jar sits a large ball that’s pressing against the sides and all but filling it. Then imagine that this ball symbolizes grief. Many believe that…

I was honored to speak with my husband last week at the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation‘s annual Bleeding Disorders Conference, held this year in Atlanta. It was a memorable experience to share our story with fellow community members. While I’ve spoken at conferences nationwide for many years,…

“Be prepared.” Scouts around the world have this motto ingrained in their hearts. While I was a Girl Scout for only a short time, this practice remains essential to me. I look ahead and consider the numerous ways a situation may manifest. As the mother of two sons with…

I live in the high desert of New Mexico, where we have over 300 days of sunshine each year. It’s a perfect place to hike, bike, climb, and run. The beauty of this place is undeniable. Yet despite all its splendor, I often find myself yearning for the storms.

My son Caeleb recently started college. He’s enjoyed the beginning of school and appreciates the flexibility of his schedule, but there’s one problem: his mobility. Caeleb lives with severe hemophilia A with an inhibitor. Persistent bleeding into his right knee and ankle resulted in irreparable damage and…

I’m trying to accept that my youngest son, Caeleb, is a college freshman. People say that time flies by, and we should enjoy our children when they’re little. Those people are right. As my son begins college, I’m apprehensive. I long for the days when I’d go into school before…