In the middle of a work meeting, I stumbled upon an intriguing concept that resonated with me on a personal level: the good-better-best goal system. This is a goal-setting approach that allows you to set goals in three tiers that align with your individual capabilities. As I delved…
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As we begin a new year, I can’t help but feel the power of hope permeate the air as conversations turn to new opportunities. Those of us in the bleeding disorders community long for new treatments that offer possibilities for a better quality of life. We pray that the…
The adventure of life is filled with ups and downs. Focusing on a word instead of on New Year’s resolutions can be a powerful practice when navigating a bleeding disorder. A focus word serves as a daily reminder and source of motivation, providing a lens through which to…
Embracing the start of 2024, I reflect on the friendships I’ve made within the hemophilia community over the past year. As a woman navigating the complexities of hemophilia B and von Willebrand disease, these connections have become a source of strength and solidarity for me. Each person…
Soon, I’ll leave sunny Florida for the northern tundra of Madison, Wisconsin, and Schaumburg, Illinois, to be with my family for Christmas. As I prepare to spend time with my loved ones, I can’t help but appreciate the significance of this trip: It marks my first Christmas journey without…
The holiday season means different things for different people. Wrapping presents, taking a family vacation, or simply baking cookies are some of the activities that bring people happiness during this time. Regardless of a person’s faith, tradition, or experience, the holidays are meant to bring joy, love, hope, and…
My husband, Jared, and I attended our first international concert together this month when we saw the American rock band Fall Out Boy at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. This concert was a milestone for both of us and truly one for the books. I’ve dreamed…
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…
Recent Posts
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- As my son stays busy chasing his dreams, pride and sadness mingle
- In sharing our rare disease stories, our collective light shines brighter
- New test may help fine tune care for those with acquired hemophilia A