In the Twinkling of an Eye – a Column by Joe MacDonald

Joe is the father of two sons with hemophilia. He and his wife, Cazandra, are active members in the bleeding disorders community and often facilitate workshops both locally and nationally. Joe is a pastor in the United Methodist Church and writes a blog about spirituality and faith. You may follow his blog at www.joekmac.com.

April 15, 2021April 13, 2021

In Times of Struggle, I Remember That Hope Is More Than a 4-letter Word

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

As a caregiver, hope exists in practically my every waking thought. I wish for things to improve regarding my loved ones’ treatment. Hope keeps me going so that I may ... Read more

April 8, 2021April 6, 2021

Spring Has Often Been a Time of New Beginnings in Our Family

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

This time of year reminds me of hope and the promise of new beginnings. In the spring of 2014, when my son “MacDonald the Younger” was 8, his life drastically ... Read more

April 1, 2021March 29, 2021

Easter Is a Reminder That We Must Face Darkness Before Light

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

I cannot believe that Easter is a few days away. I keep asking myself, “Didn’t we celebrate New Year’s Day yesterday?” One of the common themes interwoven into the fabric ... Read more

March 25, 2021March 23, 2021

Both Science and Religion Guide Me When Answering, ‘Why Me, Dad?’

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

Although my sons, now 15 and 24, are different as night and day, they both began asking questions about hemophilia at about age 5. I tackled the tough issues they ... Read more

March 18, 2021March 16, 2021

Removing the Medical Cabinet From Our Kitchen Inspires Hope

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

I faced my old friend, the medical supplies boxes, still not believing the task ahead of me. I almost spoke to the six boxes stacked on top of one another. ... Read more

March 11, 2021March 9, 2021

CRISPR Gene Therapy Gives Me Hope for a Future Without Hemophilia

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

On Sunday mornings in my home, I usually watch “CBS Sunday Morning,” hosted by Jane Pauley. Last week, an interview caught my eye. The segment featured Dr. Jennifer Doudna, who ... Read more

March 4, 2021March 2, 2021

I’m Grateful for My Son’s First Pediatrician, Dr. Connelly

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

Back in Texas in good ol’ 1996, when my first son came into the world, a nice, well put-together doctor entered our room. He introduced himself as Dr. Connelly, the ... Read more

February 25, 2021February 24, 2021

Honoring Those Who Went Before Us

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

At every annual event sponsored by the National Hemophilia Foundation, a particular room is dedicated to remembering those who died from complications of hemophilia. In the 1980s and early ’90s, ... Read more

February 18, 2021February 17, 2021

My Family’s Angel Has Left a Mark on Our Hearts

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

When my first son was 6 months old, we experienced our initial reception into the world of hemophilia. Until that point, his bleeding disorder had not reared its ugly head. ... Read more

February 11, 2021February 8, 2021

To Move From Hopelessness to Joy, I Had to Be Honest With Myself

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

In past columns, I wrote about moments of absolute hopelessness — no more prevalent than the times when hemophilia reared its ugly head in my sons’ lives. There were many ... Read more