Columns

Living in the Philippines has shown me how differently people understand illness depending on where and when they grew up. In many rural provinces, even something as common as high blood pressure gets mismanaged. Doctors may not have specialized training. Medical equipment is scarce. And reliable health education often depends…

I have a bad habit. When I shop for groceries, I grab what I need but often get distracted by a bright package. A new cookie? How many carbs are in it? The same thing happens when I watch a movie or listen to a podcast with lots of twists.

What would you rather do: have a day to relax all to yourself, or eat whatever you want and not gain weight? Many of us have seen memes asking similar questions. To be honest, until this summer, I would occasionally answer them without much thought. But after facing struggles with…

When fellow columnist G Shellye Horowitz asked me to travel to Houston to support her through surgery for superior mesenteric artery syndrome, I didn’t hesitate. I knew I needed to be there. She told me I was the perfect choice because I understand hemophilia, its treatment,…

My husband, Joe, and my sons, Julian and Caeleb, each have their own unofficial jobs when we decorate for the holidays. Julian brings the dusty red and green totes full of Christmas decorations in from the shed. I open them and decide what comes inside first. Joe and Caeleb…

I surprised myself when I was in Montreal for a hemophilia conference in 2022. I decided to stay an extra day after the event to explore the city. I have to say, I found the most amazing gluten-free French pastry shop! The croissants and pain au chocolat were to…

When people hear the word “hemophilia,” they usually picture bleeds, factor infusions and other treatment routines, and trips to the hospital. Those things certainly shape the condition, but they’re not the whole story. Over the years, I’ve noticed something that feels harder to explain, yet…

For most people, taekwondo is about discipline, confidence, and the long path toward a black belt. For Tara Blakely, it became something else entirely — a story of interruptions, detours, motherhood, misdiagnosed bleeding, and the quiet strength required to begin again when life keeps pulling you away. Tara began her…

I really hate asking for help. I have several theories why, but mostly, it boils down to a fear of inconveniencing others. Perhaps there are deeper causes, like needing to learn that I am worthy of accepting it and understanding that everyone deserves to have their needs met, both physically…

For years, writing about women with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders has meant telling stories of delayed diagnoses, silent pain, and lives shaped by the absence of care. In many ways, it still does. But lately, I think something has shifted. The change has been gradual, and I don’t…