The 'I' in Hemophilia - a Column by Jared Formalejo

Jared is a 25-year-old man from the Philippines who has hemophilia and
epilepsy. He’s an aspiring entrepreneur happily living with his partner, Cza, and his daughter, Cittie — his pillars of strength and support.

When Hemophilia Meets Epilepsy

It’s a struggle to balance life with two disorders. I need to take daily medications for epilepsy while also self-infusing to treat internal bleeds. I recently suffered a horrible epileptic episode. My wife, Cza, and I were walking with our baby, Cittie, when I felt a strong aura warn…

Playtime Is Not so Simple with Hemophilia

Our baby girl turned one earlier this year. Watching Cittie mature makes me reflect on the innocent phase of childhood. Life was so simple back then. I believed games and toys to be major issues of the utmost importance. I stayed late after school and played with my friends.

2019 Was Rough, So I’m Embracing a New Year

With 2019 behind us, it’s time for everyone to start anew and welcome 2020 into their lives. It’s hard to be fond of 2019 considering the impact my chronic illness had on my life. I spent practically a third of the year on bed rest because of severe…

Performing My First Self-infusion Was Empowering

With so many injuries lately, possibly because of a lack of exercise, I found it necessary to finally learn the ropes of self-infusion. Self-infusion of critical factor is important for me to prevent and treat bleeding episodes. As much as I have wanted to learn the craft, I…

Caregivers Are Huge Blessings in Our Lives

I’ve been struggling with hip bleeds lately. I’m in the middle of recovering from a bleed on my right hip, which may have started because I put too much pressure on it too soon. I’m frustrated that I’ve been bedridden so often these past few months. It’s hard…

Building Confidence in My Identity as a Father

As time passes, I can feel both the joys and the pressures of fatherhood. My life has centered around our daughter’s needs and ensuring that she is always happy and smiling. Friends have instructed me on the importance of fatherhood. So many problems are caused by weak father figures. Often,…