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.

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

Watch for Curves

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

Wouldn’t it have been nice to receive an instruction manual when first diagnosed? The doctor might share a blueprint, surefire way of raising a child with a bleeding disorder: ... Read more

October 8, 2020October 6, 2020

Rest for the Weary

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

Life in the hospital can overwhelm us and leave us beaten down, as if we fought a war to end all wars. We exist by preparing for the next ... Read more

October 1, 2020September 29, 2020

The Unexpected Moments When Hemophilia Strikes

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

I will never forget the night I was ordained as an elder in full connection in the United Methodist Church. We were about three and a half hours away ... Read more

September 24, 2020September 22, 2020

I Am Blessed With a Strong Community

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

When our youngest son, whom we affectionately call “MacDonald the Younger,” was diagnosed with hemophilia, my wife and I didn’t know how to respond. We were in a state ... Read more

September 17, 2020September 15, 2020

Developing a Strong Work Ethic With Hemophilia

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

From early on, we find success by developing a strong work ethic. Some of us come by it naturally, while others learn the value of working hard and doing ... Read more

September 10, 2020September 8, 2020

Our Pets Teach Us the Darndest Things

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

My family loves dogs. My wife and I have never known married life without a beloved pet. They continue to bring us joy, while at the same time imparting ... Read more

September 3, 2020September 1, 2020

Focusing on Mental Health at This Year’s Hemophilia Federation Symposium

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

Fresh off the heels of the National Hemophilia Foundation’s virtual symposium earlier this month, I just attended another online conference hosted by the Hemophilia Federation of America. One thing ... Read more

August 27, 2020August 24, 2020

How to Avoid the Shame and Blame Game

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

I will never forget the first time the Hemophilia Federation of America asked me to facilitate a discussion group for parents of the newly diagnosed, at the federation’s annual ... Read more

August 20, 2020August 18, 2020

My Takeaways From This Year’s Bleeding Disorders Conference

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

Despite the challenges associated with holding a large conference online, the National Hemophilia Foundation did a fantastic job at this year’s Bleeding Disorders Conference by virtually presenting participants with ... Read more

August 13, 2020August 11, 2020

A Letter to My Sons

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

I remember the first time I put my hand in your hand. You seemed to smile out of a sense of familiarity. You knew me in a way that ... Read more