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Instead of Powerball, I have won the rare bleeding disorder lottery. I have von Willebrand disease and hemophilia B, a less common form of hemophilia that arises when a blood-clotting protein called factor IX is missing or deficient. My diagnoses are rare within a rare community. I often feel like a…

I will never forget the years when my youngest son lived in the hospital more than he did at home. The stress that we felt as a family threatened to break us and wear us down. Date nights with my wife gave way to tending to emergency medical…

My Facebook friends fall into a few categories: biological family, colleagues and friends from my music and teaching days, high school and college friends and teachers, and my “bleedin’ folk” family. Raising two sons with severe hemophilia is a blessing because of the people in my life (I work…

It’s election season here in the Philippines, and two presidential candidates, both with large bases of support, are going head-to-head. In light of this, I came across a social media post reminding people to get out of their “echo chambers” and make their voices heard during this election cycle. The…

I recently attended a webinar called “Impact of Factor 8 on Bone Mineralization,” sponsored by Factor My Way, a patient support program. It featured Claudio Sandoval, MD, who has over 30 years of experience treating people with bleeding disorders and is passionate about bone health, an often overlooked aspect of…

I knew that I wanted to teach theology at the university level. I prepared a great résumé and felt academically equipped, having received my doctorate in ministry. I applied to dozens of schools, but no one offered to hire me. I questioned my abilities and couldn’t understand why I…

“It’s nothing.” That phrase is often associated with women. Many have argued that women tend to obscure their feelings to avoid hurting other people, especially their partners. As a woman and a wife, I question this generalization, mostly because my husband says the phrase more than I do.

I’ve been dating for nearly 40 years, and consider myself somewhat of an expert. Valentine’s Day feels like the perfect opportunity to impart my experience and wisdom. One thing is certain: Dating with hemophilia and von Willebrand disease is like a box of chocolates — you never know…

Last Sunday, my oldest son came to town for a photoshoot. He hopes to build a strong website presence so that directors and casting agents consider him for future projects in musical theater. We made plans to eat lunch before meeting with the photographer. My youngest son joined me, and…

I went to college to become a teacher. Actually, to become a middle school band director. Four years of college were great, but student teaching was how I learned to teach. Two excellent supervisory teachers helped me find my way, answered questions, and taught me useful lessons by their example.