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I eagerly anticipate a future where inherited bleeding disorders can be conclusively diagnosed, with absolute certainty, through genetic tests. Currently, conditions such as von Willebrand disease (VWD) pose diagnostic challenges, frequently requiring multiple tests over extended periods for confirmation. Although my initial diagnosis came after a single test,…

Taking time off is critical for our mental health. Even if a vacation is a staycation, having time to relax and have fun is essential for our overall well-being. Rest and rejuvenation also help make us more productive. But vacations are a luxury. Traveling to Europe, cruising to Mexico, and…

In the Philippines, where we live, Christmas isn’t confined to a single day. It unfolds as a season that spans about a third of the year, kicking off in the first of the “-ber” months. As a child, I cherished the joy of strolling through streets adorned with flickering…

‘Tis that season again — not the one adorned with festive decorations and holiday cheer, but the one with the formidable task of selecting a health insurance plan from the marketplace at healthcare.gov. For those contending with hemophilia or other chronic health conditions, this annual ritual can be…

This time of year brings many changes to the usual routines of life. The weather is colder, the leaves have fallen off the trees, and the days are shorter, with darkness arriving early. It’s also a time of joyous celebrations, traditions, and memory-making. For many, this season includes cookies,…

Last month, I had the privilege and the honor of being one of 60 attendees at the Mild Matters Summit in Tulsa, Oklahoma, organized by the Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA). The summit aimed to empower those with mild bleeding disorders by providing essential information and tools to…

The holiday season is upon us. Often, we have our meal around a table with people we love, and we give thanks for one another’s company. The holidays are all about rituals — preparing feasts, gathering to exchange gifts, and focusing on the things that unite us. Year after…

A phone call in the wee hours of the morning makes the heart skip a beat, as it often brings bad news. A baby crying in the middle of the night means a sleep-deprived parent going through the motions of changing diapers and warming bottles. When the quiet hours of…

My husband, Jared, is a diligent worker and constant high achiever. An honor student in school, he has since excelled in various fields. From running a business to trying his hand at voice acting and cooking, he’s a jack of all trades in the most complete form of the…

Raising two sons with a bleeding disorder has given me hundreds of stories. Many of them lead to happiness and gratitude. Others are filled with pain and suffering. They are all a part of me in a way I never imagined they would be. The nice thing about having so…