Columns

In winter, when the trees no longer hold their leaves, and the cold and shorter days can make us feel like something has been lost, we can find in the peculiar evergreens a contrast to all those feelings of hopelessness. There is life still growing amid all that lifeless darkness,…

December not only marks the end of the year, but it’s also the time for my annual visit to the specialists at my regional hemophilia treatment center (HTC). I live more than two hours away from them, so I appreciate the convenience of telehealth appointments, which are far more…

As I write this column, it’s my 32nd wedding anniversary. I met my wife, Cazandra, when we were in college. At first, we didn’t get along because we’re pretty different people: She’s an introvert while I feed off other people’s energy. College friends continue to ask us if we’re…

I suddenly felt wet when I shouldn’t have. I ran to the bathroom and began pouring blood into the toilet, turning the water there a bright red. I gave myself an IV infusion of factor VIII, a protein I’m missing that’s necessary for blood to clot. As a result, the…

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 tends to praise these strategies, our family’s experience with chronic illness has shown that they can…

Last April, I had the privilege of attending the Coalition for Hemophilia B’s annual symposium in Dallas for the first time. It was a transformative experience filled with educational sessions, meaningful social connections, and a shared passion for advancing care within the hemophilia B community. The event brought together…

For many years, my wife, Cazandra, played in the orchestra at Houston’s First Baptist Church in Texas. Her musical ability was second to none. I loved hearing the passages she played as she soared up to beautiful high notes with phrasing that made my heart melt. We had a…

I’ll open this column with a riddle for you. Question: How can you tell you’re at a bleeding disorders conference? Answer: Beautiful business casual clothing and sensible shoes! I’ve had a love-hate relationship with shoes over my lifetime. From a very early age, my parents and pediatrician noticed my ankles…

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 seen firsthand how people often show that they care based on what they believe they’d want…

Dear Santa, This year, I’ve decided to pen a special letter to you — not for myself, but for the global hemophilia community. As the holiday season fills the air with hope and goodwill, I can’t help but reflect on the challenges and dreams of those of us living…