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…
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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…
In our quest for security and certainty, it’s only natural to gravitate toward options that offer zero risk. Think about it: When you purchase insurance or opt for a product with a money-back guarantee, you’re essentially seeking assurance against any potential loss. This tendency to avoid risk at all…
Rare Disease Day, observed this year on Feb. 29, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing those who live with uncommon medical conditions. According to the event’s website, a rare disease is defined as one that affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 individuals. Among these conditions…
My younger son, Caeleb, struggled to get to his feet and go to physical therapy today. His right ankle has very little cartilage because of hemophilia complications, and he often struggles to get around without the assistance of a cane or walker. He looked at me and…
I arrived late for the concert. An usher whisked me to my seat, as my husband and our son Caeleb had already arrived. As I walked down the aisle, feeling very conspicuous in my clerical collar (I didn’t have time to change), I noticed the backs of hundreds…
I’ve written here numerous times about my love for the American pop-punk band Fall Out Boy. Since discovering them in 2007, I’ve been a huge fan of not just their music, but also the guys in the band and their individual career paths. My husband, Jared, and I…
In the 1970s and ’80s, treating my von Willebrand disease and hemophilia B often involved a regimen that included fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate. Cryoprecipitate, a blood component derived from frozen plasma, contains vital clotting factors such as fibrinogen, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, and factor…
It’s hard to believe, but my youngest son, Caeleb, will graduate high school in just a few months. I think back over the past 18 years of his life and stand in awe regarding the difficulties he’s faced while living with hemophilia. In his elementary school years, he struggled…
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- Growing up before treatments for hemophilia were safe, part 1
- WHO resolution aims to address gaps in hemophilia care