Last Thursday, I visited Washington, D.C., to join my fellow blood brothers and sisters in lobbying legislators regarding issues that directly affect the bleeding disorders community. I must admit that I was a little nervous. Several times, I wondered, “What in the world am I doing here? I’m only…
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There’s a pilgrimage site less than 10 minutes from my home in central New Mexico. That site, El Cerro de Tomé (Tomé Hill), is a natural landmark that’s served El Camino Real travelers for centuries. People journey to the top of the hill, 400 feet above the Rio Grande…
As I sit at my computer, fatigue seeps into my bones. The intense heat here in the Philippines, combined with the side effects of my new acid reflux medication, amplifies my exhaustion. Mild tension headaches make looking at bright screens unbearable, rendering work nearly impossible. My body’s clear message is:…
During the December holiday season, while visiting family in Illinois and Wisconsin, I had an unexpected dental emergency: A crown cracked and fell out. Unfortunately, complications arose when I contracted COVID-19, causing delays in addressing the issue. When I finally managed to schedule an appointment for the crown…
This week, I’m doing something I’ve never done before: stepping into the ring of politics and lobbying my congresspeople. Many of those in the bleeding disorders community gather annually in Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. representatives and senators. The goal is simple: to remind legislators that medical care…
There’s a stigma surrounding those who use wheelchairs. To most, they evoke pity: “Oh, how awful to be confined to a wheelchair.” Perhaps it’d be awful for the person making the statement, but is it awful for the person using the chair? When an older adult is in a wheelchair,…
As someone living with hemophilia B and epilepsy, my husband, Jared, has faced numerous health challenges throughout his life. From medical tests to hospitalizations, he’s endured his fair share of pain and discomfort. So when I recently confided in him about an unsettling taste lingering in my mouth…
In a recent blog post on the Hemophilia Federation of America’s (HFA) website, HFA board member Joe Markowitz, 73, who has hemophilia, shared his perspective. He believes that life today is favorable for those with hemophilia, and he encouraged young families to overlook what he perceives as the…
The singer onstage opened his mouth, and notes flew through the air, falling on the ears of everyone listening. His tone indicated a beautifully powerful lyric tenor voice as the song filled the space, hypnotizing the crowd. As he finished his first number, the crowd roared with joy. He…
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is part of today’s culture. Its movies take theatergoers to places never imagined. Iron Man, Thor, and Doctor Strange are a few of the characters that it brings to life, and each seems incredibly realistic. When I watch these movies, I can’t help but…
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