Hemophilia 24/7 - a Column by Cazandra Campos-MacDonald

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Cazandra is a pastor, author, columnist, motivational speaker, advocate, and encourager. She writes about the journey of raising two sons with severe hemophilia A with inhibitors. Cazandra’s older brother, Ronaldo Julian Campos, died of complications from hemophilia as an infant. She lives with her husband, Rev. Dr. Joe MacDonald, and youngest son, Caeleb (14) in Belen, New Mexico. She also has an adult son, Julian (24). Her book, “Dear Hemophilia: Finding Hope Through Chronic Illness,” is available on Amazon. You may follow her writings and view her TEDxABQ talk at www.cazandracmacdonald.com.

My Son Has Asked to Speak to a Therapist

I live with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, and I rely on talk therapy at least once a month to keep my emotional well-being in check. The process of talking through my emotions and trusting a professional to give me new perspectives on the issues I deal with brings…

Handicapped Placards Shouldn’t Be Misused

I use a handicapped placard for my youngest son, Caeleb, who has hemophilia and deals with complications from the clotting factor used to treat his illness, which causes him to have pain. Caeleb, 15, participates in his school’s marching band and practices after school four days a week. At the…

Compassionate Staff Made Hospital Visits Bearable

Hospitalizations are disruptive. When someone has to go the hospital, day-to-day routines take a back seat. Being at the hospital becomes the top priority and life must move around the illness. But when a patient and family experience constant hospitalizations, this becomes their normal routine. My youngest son, Caeleb,…